I was selected to be a part of the ISKSAA travelling fellowship 2025 and I am extremely grateful to Dr Pushpinder Bajaj, Dr Lalit Maini and the other members of ISKSAA for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this enriching experience.

The fellowship was 2 week programme at Sunderland Royal Hospital from 20^th July to 4 August 2025 under the guidance of esteemed Mr Shaun O Brien. I attended this fellowship with another fellow, Dr Dinesh Sandal.

Travel and accommodation

We booked our flight from Delhi to New castle airport via Dubai. After reaching Newcastle airport we reached to Aspire Washington hospital where our mentor had busy OT schedule. After finishing his OT Dr Shaun took us to the accommodation lodge at the Sunderland Royal Hospital and he also took us for the round of hospital same evening so that from next day we could reach to orthopaedic theatres directly. Accommodation was provided by hospital administration with minimal pay of 200 pounds for each of us. The accommodation was very comfortable with individual bed rooms and washroom.

Hospital experience

Sunderland royal hospital provided an excellent environment and opportunity for learning. I had the privilege of attending any operation theatre and observing surgeries under the guidance of various other surgeons as well.

Mr Shaun O’Brien is a very kind and helpful person. He is a master of his field of knee surgeries, but he made sure that we get a full exposure to other elective as well as trauma lists. He discussed cases with us in depth and provided us a new perspective to both preoperative and postoperative care.

During our 2 week stay, we met, discussed and exchanged ideas with Mr Roysam, Mr Dixon, Mr Green, and Mr Michael. All consultants were more than helpful in discussing and guiding us with their surgeries while performing them.

Mr Shaun O’brien is a busy knee surgeon. we got opportunity to observe his cases at NHS Sunderland royal Hospital and also at Aspire Washington Hospital every Thursday. In his Theatre we observed primary TKR, Knee Arthroscopy, UKR, Patellofemoral replacement, MPFL reconstruction along with TTO and trauma procedures as well. We observed cases like THR, proximal femoral replacement, shoulder arthroscopy in other theatre. By the end of every day, we would be overwhelmed by the academic exposure at the hospital. We also attended the morning trauma meets which gave perspective into the importance of multi-disciplinary care of the patients.

OT environment was highly professional and conducive to learning. The OT staff was very friendly and supportive and all the consultants were dedicated teachers. The experience allowed me to learn valuable tips and tricks in different surgeries.

Weekends and exploration

The fellowship provided weekened off allowing me to explore various cities like London, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Overall experience

The ISKSAA SUNDERLAND TRAVELLING FELLOWSHIP 2025 was a rewarding experience. It provided me abundant learning opportunities and allowed me to expose myself to the global standards of patients care and management. I highly recommend this Fellowship to young and aspiring surgeons who wish to expand their knowledge and surgical skills.

My sincere thanks to Dr Pushpinder Bajaj, Dr. Lalit Maini, Mr. Shaun O’Brien, Mr Sanjeev anand and ISKSAA team for providing and organizing this amazing once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks and regards