Module 2 was held at the Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial Kundiawa General Hospital in Kundiawa, Simbu Province in the Papua New Guinea Highlands(PNG) from July 29th to August 16th, 2019. There were 15 trainees in the Knee module and 13 trainees attended the Foot & Ankle module. They are Dr. Alex Munamua, Dr. Reshwin Rajan and Dr. Clay Siosi from Solomon Islands, Dr. Pita Sovanivalu from Fiji, Dr. Johnny Hedson from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Dr. Naseri Aiotato from American Samoa, Dr. Juvencio Dias from Timor Leste and Dr. Haynes Rasin from Buka (autonomous region of Bougainville), Dr. Viola Kokiva, from Kavieng, Dr. Raymond Saulep and Dr. Bohu Urakoko from Kundiawa, Dr. Felix Diaku and Dr Kevin Lapu from Rabaul, Dr. Stevens James from Lae and Dr. Anthony Nasai from Wabag (all from PNG).
The lectures were delivered by Dr. Nik Friederich from Switzerland, Dr. James Aoina, Dr. Hamish Leslie, Dr. Soots Leilua and Dr. Tim Chuang from New Zealand, Dr, Dr Daryl Teague. Kaushik Hazratwalla and Dr. Des Soares from Australia.
In addition, the second ever exit examination was held with the following PIOA trainees presenting – Shaun Mauiliu, Areta Samuelu (both from Samoa), Mark Rokobuli(Fiji) , Alex Munamua and James Tewa’ani (both from Solomon Islands). They were examined by Dr. Richard Lander and Dr. Sud Rao from New Zealand and Dr. Peter Cundy and Dr. Andreas Loefler from Australia.
In the Knee module students were taught a systematic approach to history taking, clinical examination and investigation with a focus on common knee conditions. The practical sessions were aimed at common knee management options including external fixation and internal fixation for supracondylar and tibial plateau fractures. Small group workshops on knee arthroscopy using a model, ACL reconstruction and high tibial osteotomy using sawbones were completed by all students. The surgical technique for knee arthroplasty using sawbones and discussion of the removal of infected implants was also covered.
In the foot and ankle module, the students were taught a systematic approach to diagnosis and management of lower limb conditions. This included clinical history taking and a thorough clinical examination with emphasis on a systematic approach to the management of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. This included the management of soft tissues and closed and open fractures. In addition, there were focussed lectures and practicals on the management of foot trauma with the small group workshops on ankle fractures and forefoot and hindfoot injuries.
Overall the 3-week module was intense, and it was obvious the students were stimulated to learn. The students are now already reading ahead to prepare for the next module on Introductory topics, Spine and Research to be held in Apia, Samoa commencing on 23 March 2020.
Our thanks to the staff and patients of the Kundiawa General Hospital, Simbu for the use of the Conference room and for allowing us to conduct the course there. Our special thanks to the CEO and Director of Medical Services of Kundiawa Hospital who made us welcome and provided transport to and from Mt Hagen and many other forms of assistance.
Thank you to Kongo coffee who generously provided coffee for morning tea each day as well as a gift pack of coffee for all students and lecturers. Thank you also to the 3 women’s church groups who provided nutritious food for the duration of the course and made us feel at home.
Finally, this module would not have been possible without the generous financial support from Wyss Medical Foundation, AO Alliance Foundation and South Pacific Projects.