Alumni

King’s College Hospital, London, UK

March 2024

“I spent a wonderful time at Portsmouth, first-hand seeing the benefit of the robot in complex colorectal resections.  The enhanced dexterity and vision to achieve a far more radical oncological resection than otherwise might be contemplated with a laparoscopic approach. Whilst still keeping morbidity very low.  Observing emergency colorectal operations utilising the robot showed what benefits can be achieved utilising such an approach can bring to the patient in terms of post-operative pain and length of stay in the hospital.  Finally, the research being undertaken to utilise the robot in a dedicated day case unit to examine the potential benefits it may provide.  I hope this will act as a springboard to further my career in robotic colorectal surgery in the future.”

Tikrit University College of Medicine, Tikrit, Iraq

February 2024

“I recently completed a one-month fellowship in the colorectal department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and I wanted to provide very positive feedback about my experience. The entire team, from the department head to the nurses and support staff, was incredibly welcoming and made me feel like a valued member of the department. They thoroughly oriented me to the department’s procedures and protocols, and ensured I had ample opportunities to observe a various colorectal surgeries and treatments. The clinicians demonstrated an exceptional level of expertise and professionalism. I was able to learn a tremendous amount by observing their skilled techniques and thoughtful decision-making. They were also very generous with their time, answering all of my questions and providing detailed explanations. Beyond the clinical training, the department fostered a collaborative and supportive environment. The regular educational sessions and case discussions allowed me to deeply engage with the subject matter. I also appreciated the department’s focus on compassionate, patient-centered care. Overall, my time at Queen Alexandra Hospital was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience that has significantly enhanced my understanding of colorectal medicine. I am grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend the department to any fellow seeking top-notch clinical training.”

Semmelweis University, Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Budapest, Hungary

February 2024

“It was a great time that I had the opportunity to spend in Portsmouth as a Trialect Fellow. Prof Khan and his Team welcomed me for a month with the best hospitality and friendship. I was happy to observe a good number and a variety of robotic-assisted colorectal cases. I had an insight in the workflow of a well designed colorectal team, picked up several good practices and had a chance to build valuable network with the local team members and other fellows from all over the world. In a nutshell: the one-month-fellowship was a great experience in my surgical career.”

Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Marikina, Philippines

January – February 2024

“Had a very fruitful experience at Portsmouth. It was nice to be involved in the care of Colorectal patients using State-of-the-art facilities and Equipment. Consultants and Fellows are very helpful and Informative especially Prof. Jim Khan. This experience not only increased my knowledge on Colorectal Robotic Surgery but also about the National Health System and the Hospital’s unique way of dealing with their patients. I am really grateful for this privilege of being part of the Portsmouth Colorectal team and hopefully, sharing my experience would help make robotic surgery more feasible and accessible in the Philippines in the near future.”

Hospital Selayang, Lebuhraya Selayang, Selangor, Malaysia

November – December 2023

“My fellowship in Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust under the mentorship of Prof Jim Khan and his team was an extraordinary experience. I consider it a milestone in my surgical career. Despite just spending 5 weeks there, it was a wholesome experience with ample exposure to various robotic surgery procedures and advanced laparoscopic procedures. The entire team was very inclusive and discussed the imaging and management approach of the cases with me. I had the opportunity to attend clinics, ward rounds and MDTs discussing various complex pathologies. Overall it was a great experience doing this fellowship with an amazing team. There was adequate time for us to be trained on simulators, the Royal College of Surgeons of England endorsed robotic surgical skills course (ROBO-CERT) and learn the tips and tricks during live surgery from Prof Khan himself. The humble and knowledgeable clinical and research fellows in the team deserve a special mention for making me feel at home. I will definitely recommend this traineeship as a preliminary exposure to all colorectal fellows aiming to do robotic surgery.”

AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

September – November 2023

St. Luke’s Medical Center, Manila, Philippines

March – April 2023