The Cadaveric Flap Course held on 18th December 2024 at the Department of Forensic Medicine, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore, was a resounding success. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone in advancing surgical education and hands-on training for residents and junior consultants. Course was organized by Organized by the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive Surgery and Mayo Burn Center
Overview of Participation
The course attracted a diverse group of participants, including:
• Residents and junior consultants from Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan.
• Surgeons from various specialties, including Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, and ENT.
All available slots were fully booked, reflecting the strong interest and demand for such specialized training programs.
Opening Ceremony
The course began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the day. This was followed by:
• A welcome address by Prof. Mustehsan Bashir, Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive Surgery, and Mayo Burn Center.
• A course introduction by Dr. Farrukh Aslam, Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery and Secretary of the Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgeons.
• Prof. Mehmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor of KEMU, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he highlighted the importance of cadaveric courses in enhancing medical education and improving surgical skills.
• Dr. Riassat Ali, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, participated as a special guest, lending his support to the initiative.
Course Format
The course was meticulously planned to provide a blend of theoretical and practical learning experiences. It included:
• Short presentations supported by videos and pictures of flap dissections.
• Demonstrations of cadaveric flap dissections by master trainers.
• Hands-on practice sessions, where participants performed flap dissections under expert supervision.
Master Trainers and Faculty
The master trainers and faculty members included a distinguished panel of experts:
• Dr. Muhammad Sohail (Associate Professor, KEMU)
• Dr. Farrukh Aslam (Associate Professor, KEMU)
• Dr. Umer Nazir (Assistant Professor, KEMU)
• Dr. Umer Afzal (Assistant Professor, KEMU)
• Dr. Romaisa Khan (Assistant Professor, KEMU)
Faculty from other renowned institutes also contributed to the success of the course:
• Prof. Kamran Khalid, HOD Plastic Surgery, Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Lahore
• Prof. Muhammad Ali Mirza, HOD Plastic Surgery, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore
• Dr. Hamid Ansari, Former Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery, SIMS
• Dr. Roomana Akhlaque, HOD Plastic Surgery, Lahore General Hospital
• Dr. Muhammad Aslam Rao, HOD Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital
• Dr. Saniya Ahmed, HOD Plastic Surgery, Shalamar Hospital
Hands-On Training
Participants engaged in comprehensive training on various flap techniques, supported by:
• High-quality presentations that included videos and images of flap dissections.
• Step-by-step demonstrations by the master trainers, who ensured a thorough understanding of the procedures.
• Hands-on practice sessions that allowed participants to refine their skills with direct guidance from the trainers.
Venue and Logistics
The event was held at the Department of Forensic Medicine, KEMU, which provided an ideal setting for cadaveric dissection and hands-on learning. The venue was well-equipped to accommodate the needs of the participants and trainers.
Participant Feedback
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Key highlights of their responses included:
• Appreciation for the well-organized structure of the course.
• Recognition of the value of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
• Requests for similar courses in the future to further enhance surgical training opportunities.