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ABC Travelling Fellows 2008 Diary Third stop: Edmonton Sunday 4 May to Tuesday 6 May Sunday 4 May Early start for a pick-up at 0600, bags packed and off we go, nearly without Peter Poon who had an alarm clock failure. Flight was delayed, bags too heavy, but eventually we boarded, and the computers were switched on to ready the next set of talks. A bumpy landing upset the stomach of one of the passengers, but fresh air was not too far away. We were met by Dr Dave Otto, Divisional Director, and our host for this leg. Bags all loaded, we were bussed to the most impressive MacDonald Hotel – and old Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel, and very comfortable. A rapid turnaround, and we were out to the Northlands Park Racetrack. There we met several of the local orthopaedic residents for lunch, and were royally treated by Dr David Reid, staff member, former North American Travelling Fellow (1978), and keen racehorse owner and trainer. He is also CEO of Horse Racing Alberta, and gave an illuminating talk on the current state of horse racing in Canada.
Dr David Reid and Dr David Otto at Northland Park The racing was quite different to us, being as it was Pacing, where the horse tows a light two-wheeled buggy, on which the jockey (more properly the driver) sits. We got a major surprise to find that the 5th race carried the title of “The ABC Travelling Fellows Feature”, rounded off with a team photo of the fellows with the winning horse and driver. Visits to the stewards box and commentary box, added to the experience, and Alasdair Sutherland also got to ride in the starter’s truck at the start of the 5th race, and can report that they go a lot faster than seems safe!
Pacing at Northland park At the end of the races, there was just time for a little exercise, before heading on to the Royal Mayfair Golf Club, for a barbecue dinner with local faculty. Dr Don Dick gave a talk on the moves to improve orthopaedic provision by close surgeon involvement in planning, and the formation of Alberta Bone and Joint Initiative. Given that doctors make 74% of decisions that drive costs, it seems appropriate that they should be involved in such planning. The Fellows replied with talks on Irish Orthopaedics (Kevin Mulhall) and British Orthopaedic training (Alasdair Sutherland), and after discussion the evening closed. Monday 5 May Dr Otto arranged a pick up from the hotel, and we were taken to the Medical Sciences Building of the University of Alberta for a scientific session. The fellows gave talks, interspersed with talks from local faculty. Dr Mahood presented an interesting discussion on bracing in scoliosis and the importance of body image in adolescents and adults with the condition. Dr Bouliane gave an overview of a very busy upper limb research group, including outcomes in rotator cuff surgery, shoulder stabilisation, proximal humerus fixation, with reference to the vexed question of the best way to measure outcomes, and anatomic studies on potential for nerve injury in stabilisation surgery. Dr Jomha presented the Alberta experience with cartilage research which connected well will Rob Pollock’s presentation.
Health Sciences Building University of Alberta Lunch was followed by a talk about the Edmonton Musculoskeletal Centre, and their plans to implement referral and care pathways. Innovative use of multi-disciplinary assessment and care aims to streamline and optimise patient care, and maximise surgeon efficiency. A lively debate followed around patient follow-up and contact. The afternoon then continued with a presentation by Dr Water on trauma research in Edmonton, along with further presentations by follows. The afternoon was rounded off with a lively case discussion led by Dr Otto and his staff. After a short break, during which some of the fellows undertook some calorie offsetting on the squash court, and others did some final talk preparation, it was back out. The evening was spent at old Fort Edmonton, a recreation of the Hudson Bay Company Trading Post that was founded close to the river. The attention to detail in the building and the people guiding us around was tremendous. The fellows took part in a demonstration of packing up beaver furs, with the help of Furlong and his boss. This was followed began excellent barbecue and social evening with Dr Otto, Dr Reid and the local faculty and residents. Kevin Mulhall responded to Dr Otto’s comments with thanks from all the fellows to a fascinating and friendly stay. All too soon it was back to the packing, with the knowledge of another early start coming at us, en route to Calgary.
Rob Pollock, Dominic Meek, Andrew Barrow and Richard Williams at Old Fort Edmonton
Andrew Barrow and Alasdair Sutherland help to pack beaver skins |
