Surgical trainees spent an intensive week learning microsurgical skills at the first ever microsurgical course in Ireland in association with the National Surgical Training Centre, RCSI from 15-19 November 2010.

One-to-one instruction was provided by an international expert in microsurgical techniques, Professor Gustavo Perez-Abadia. Professor Perez-Abadia hails from the University of Louisville, Kentucky and is also affiliated to the world renowned Kleinert and Kutz Hand Care Centre, Louisville, Kentucky. This was his first visit to Ireland and he said, “I was delighted to receive such a warm welcome in Ireland. The course was a success and I hope to work with Sean Carroll and RCSI on a continuing basis so that surgical trainees can have the opportunity to learn microsurgery.”

The course was directed and organised by Mr Sean Carroll, Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. This course was the first of its kind in Ireland. Previously trainees in plastic surgery have had to travel abroad to avail of such specialised teaching. Mr Carroll was more than satisfied that the course was run to the best international standards. He said: “I would like to thank Dr Emmeline Nugent, a research fellow of the National Surgical Training Centre for her contribution in organising and helping to run the course. I would like to also extend a thank you to Professor Plesnila and Dr Gang Chen of the Neurodegeneration Laboratory, for collaborating with the National Surgical Training Centre and allowing the use of the laboratory facility for the week.”

The course also received a significant financial contribution from Johnson and Johnson and KCI, without which this course could not have been held.