'Fellowship of the Ring' - My Waikato Experience - Hamilton, New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aims: The conventional route to being a Maxillofacial surgeon is a training programme of five years, undertaking the 'exit' exam and being awarded a certificate of completion of training (CCT). Whilst for many the next stage would be attaining and undertaking a consultant post immediately or whilst utilising their grace period, some trainees consider the opportunities afforded by a fellowship. This can be both a formal and informal opportunity to address training deficiencies or to consolidate and acquire new skills prior to a definitive consultant post. Material(s) and Method(s) As part of my fellowship I chose to go to Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was afforded the opportunity to consolidate skills I had acquired since gaining my CCT and provide general and specialist maxillofacial services in the Waikato region which covers a population of 425k over 21,000km2. This fellowship provided me with an amazing opportunity to practice maxillofacial surgery in an area with a breadth of trauma by virtue of being a major trauma centre. Results/Statistics I would strongly recommend the opportunity to engage in a fellowship overseas as it exposed me to a healthcare service model I had not previously encountered. New Zealand has a strong public system which is well supported by their Accident Compensation Corporation scheme. This covers all healthcare costs associated with injury from an accident, irrespective of the mechanism. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance My experience was superb both clinically, professionally and socially and it definitely supported me up for my consultant practice on returning to the UK. Copyright © 2022