Trans-Tasman Travelling Fellows Report

Our associations hold combined meetings every five years, with hosting responsibilities alternating between the two nations. This year marked the first combined ASM on New Zealand soil since Rotorua in 2011, and we had the privilege of meeting friends and colleagues in the newly built Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch. The meeting also represented the first full length, in-person ASM since Canberra in 2019, and the opportunity to reconnect was appreciated by all who attended.

The Trans-Tasman Travelling Fellowship was the brainchild of former AOA President, John Tuffley, who was awarded the L. O. Betts Memorial Medal at the Christchurch ASM. The medal is the AOA’s highest honour, awarded for 'outstanding contribution to the science and practice of orthopaedics or to the AOA'. I had the privilege of congratulating John for his well-deserved achievement at the gala dinner.

The theme of this year’s combined ASM was 'Togetherness. Diversity. Sustainability', and daily plenary sessions saw presentations from local and international experts challenge and inspire us. For me, the highlight of the ASM was a presentation delivered by Professor Suzanne Pitama, dean and head of campus of the University of Otago in Christchurch. Drawing parallels from her experience learning to row under a coach who was unable to adapt his teaching style to meet the learning needs of a group of teenage girls, she encouraged us, “don’t be a Drummond”, as we seek to inspire, teach, and mentor the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.

I must admit that I sometimes find myself thinking, “back in my day…”, during interactions with medical students and junior doctors, even though I’m still in my thirties! Suzanne challenged me to rethink the way I engage with junior colleagues, to inspire them to consider orthopaedics as a career option, rather than unintentionally discouraging them. One of our challenges as an association is attracting the best and brightest medical graduates from diverse backgrounds to a speciality which has perhaps traditionally been viewed as an appropriate option only for some. The AOA is already doing excellent work in this space, but more needs to be done, both at an individual and an association level, if we hope to achieve a truly diverse orthopaedic workforce in the future.

Although discussions about climate change and sustainability can be overwhelming, another personal highlight was a presentation from Dr Alison Mitchell, an orthopaedic surgeon from Oregon USA, who shared some simple but effective changes that each of us as surgeons can make today. If you missed her talk, I would encourage you to listen to the recording.

On the final day of the ASM, we celebrated a 'belated 21st birthday' for our respective arthroplasty registries, the NZJR and AOANJRR. Both are world class registries and have made significant contributions to the betterment of orthopaedic surgery. As the AOANJRR goes through a transition period, I would personally like to pay tribute to Professor Stephen Graves and Professor Richard de Steiger for their many years of exceptional service.

I had the opportunity to present a scientific paper at the end of the award papers session, and it was a hard act to follow each of the winning registrars from the respective state branch meetings! I was very impressed by the quality of research being conducted by our junior colleagues, and it bodes well for the future of our specialty. My congratulations to all the registrars who presented.

Aside from the academic content, the ASM provided a wonderful opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. I had the privilege of catching up with several of my former bosses, seeing former registrars who have now completed training, and bumping into former medical students and junior doctors who are now pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The gala dinner was a highlight, at which I had the opportunity to congratulate both the outgoing AOA President, Annette Holian, and the incoming President, Chris Morrey. Thanks, Annette, for all your hard work, and all the best as you take on the mantle, Chris!

In closing, I would like to thank the NZOA and the AOA for generously sponsoring me to attend the combined ASM as the Trans-Tasman Travelling Fellow for 2022. It was a true honour and I had a great time.

 

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For more information on inclusions and eligibility criteria for 2024 applications, view the 2024 Trans-Tasman Fellowship member communication. 

Applications for the 2024 Trans-Tasman Fellowship are now open. To apply, attach the documents outlined in the application criteria and an expression of interest to Membership Officer Bev Hughes at bev.hughes@aoa.org.au by Wednesday 31 July. 

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