In March 2019, 2 surgeons attended a 1 week Observership course at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. During their attendance, they were able to In March 2019, 2 surgeons attended a 1 week Observership course at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. During their attendance, they were able to learn numerous new skills and discuss professional challenges which they face with a wide range of specialist orthopaedic surgeons working at the Nuffield Centre. 

They observed theatre practice and surgical techniques by witnessing numerous live surgeries related to Hip & Knee, Upper Limb and  pelvic reconstruction. The surgeons and theatre staff were welcoming and willing to answer any questions. Away from the hospital the visitors spent time with surgeons to better understand the structures within which they perform their surgeries and why the Nuffield is considered the leading UK Centre for complex and challenging patient issues within the orthopaedic field.

On the same site, a visit was also arranged to the Botnar Research Centre which hosts the University of Oxford’s Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, which enables and encourages research and education into the causes of musculoskeletal disease and their treatment. It also hosts the Oxford Clinical Trails Research Unit. It holds a unique global position to foster the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians.                     

As a result of their attendance, the Chinese surgeons have returned to their senior roles within their Chinese hospitals with improved skill levels and capabilities to perform more modern and efficient surgeries on patients using the latest techniques.