Where did you complete your fellowship and duration?
I spent 15 months at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (UK).
At what time in your career?
I undertook this fellowship 8.5 years after earning my medical degree (1 year rotation OTR/SMIA/Emergency, 2 years CHV resident), and 5 years Chef de clinique (2 years regional hospital, 3 years at CHUV).
How was the fellowship funded?
Partially through visceral surgery/CHUV service funds, NHS salary, and additional funds from other sources (Foundation).
How did you secure this fellowship?
Based on a recommendation from my boss, then application and interview according to NHS rules, with a competitive and international process.
What are you learning through this fellowship?
My practice was divided between HPB surgery and transplantation, including liver, pancreas, and kidney transplants, as well as multiorgan retrievals. I thus continued the training in HPB that I had already started at CHUV but developed and learned new aspects of transplantation (normothermic regional perfusion, liver and pancreas transplants, …). As part of this, I had the opportunity to travel and discover the UK by performing organ retrievals at any time of the day or night. It was an extraordinary adventure.
What motivated you to pursue a fellowship?
The desire to discover another healthcare system, another language, and other ways of doing things in a large and internationally renowned center. Being able to go with my fiancée (also a doctor) made the adventure even more incredible. The Scottish people are very warm and welcoming. We will remember it forever.
Future Plans?
Continuing my career at CHUV, hopefully with future promotion opportunities.
Would You Recommend It?
100%! You have to get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and discover other possible approaches to health. In the UK, we work a lot, but the quality of life is pleasant, schedules are respected, recovery time is available, overtime is paid, and the surgeons are very kind. It's not just professional experience that counts, but human experience.
