PIOA graduates and trainees were invited to participate in the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) 24 meeting in Brisbane.
PIOA is very grateful to Peter Steadman and Prof. David Wood for organising a special workshop to develop tumour services for the Pacific.
PIOA graduates Areta Samuelu (Samoa), James Tewa’ani (Solomon Islands, Juvencio Dias (Timor Leste) and trainees Viola Kokiva (PNG) Tommy Walters (PNG) and Pauliasi Bauleka (Fiji) and prospective trainee Jenny Tovu (PNG) with Eka Wiratnaya (faculty from Bali).
From L to R Shaun Mauiliu (examiner), Juvencio Dias (Timor Leste candidate), Des Soares (Deputy Director Training), Reshwin Rajan (Solomon Is / Fiji candidate), Raymond Saulep (PNG – unsuccessful candidate), David Bartle (examiner), Anthony Nasai (PNG candidate) and Andreas Loefler (examiner)
The PIOA exit exams follows the approximate format of the AOA / RACS exams. There are 2 written papers with 10 short answer (1 page) questions each. There are 2 Operative surgery computer vivas (with 5 cases in each) and 1 Imaging and Investigation computer viva (with 5 cases). There are 2 clinical vivas (with upto 5 patients in each). In all, there are 45 clinical scenarios assessed and the exam is mapped to ensure a wide coverage of the curriculum.
The written exams and computer cases for Operative surgery and Imaging and Investigation were prepared by Dr Richard Lander with assistance from Dr John North. Unfortunately both Dr Lander and Dr North became unwell shortly before the exams and were unable to be there as examiners. Dr. Lander did provide advice to the examiners at the final examiners meeting. PIOA is grateful for the dedicated servcie over many years by Dr Lander and Dr North.
The examiners were Dr Andreas Loefler from Australia, Dr David Bartle from New Zealand and Dr Shaun Mauiliu from Samoa who have all been examiners for PIOA previously.
There were 4 candidates and 3 were successful.
PIOA congratulates the following successful candidates
Dr Anthony Nasai, first PIOA graduate from PNG (with Haynes Rasin from Bougainville, PNG)
Dr Juvencio Dias, first PIOA graduate from Timor Leste
Dr Reshwin Rajan, Solomon Islands / Fiji (with fellow Solomon Islands trainees Oralae Pitakia, Jeffrey Yiapi and Agnes Auto)
The PIOA Upper Limb and Reserach methods modules were held in Apia, Samoa from 16-27 Spetember 2024.
Module 2 was held at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital in Apia, Samoa from 16th to 27 September 2024. There were 12 trainees who attended the module. They are Dr. Robert Fa’ataga and Dr. Michael Leota from Apia in Samoa, Dr. Agnes Auto, Dr. Oralae Pitakia and Dr. Jeffrey Yiapi from Solomon Islands, Dr. Paul Lomavatu and Dr Manoa Valeniyasana from Fiji, Dr. Tzun Rafael from Palau, Dr. Julio Martins from Timor Leste and Dr. Thomas Kiele, Dr Haynes Rasin and Dr Tommy Walters from PNG.
Week 2 Back row from L to R, Faculty in bold, Paul Lomavatu (Fiji), Manoa Valeniyasana (Fiji), Tzun Rafael (Palau), Michael Leota (Samoa), Julio Martins (Timor Leste), Tommy Walters (PNG), , Robert Fa’ataga (Samoa), Thomas Kiele (PNG), Des Soares (Australia) and Shaun Mauiliu (Samoa), Front row from L to R Jeffrey Yiapi (Solomon Islands),.Agnes Auto (Solomon Islands), Graham Gumley (Australia), Jenny Green (Australia) Oralae Pitakia (Solomon Islands), Haynes Rasin (PNG)
The lectures were delivered by Dr. Shaun Mauiliu and Dr Areta Samuelu from Samoa, Dr. Roy Craig and Dr David Lees from New Zealand, Dr Graham Gumley, Dr Jenny Green, Dr Sarah Coll and Dr. Des Soares from Australia. Prof. Nik Friederich from Basle in Switzerland taught Research methods each morning via Zoom.
In this module, the students were taught a systematic approach to diagnosis and management of orthopaedic Upper limb conditions. This included clinical history taking and a thorough clinical examination, investigation and a structured, systematic approach to orthopaedic decision making. There was also an emphasis on a systematic approach to the management of upper limb conditions including the management of closed and open fractures and hand trauma. In addition, there were focussed lectures and practicals on the management of trauma affecting the long bones of the limbs, tendon repair and microsurgery techniques for nerve and vessel repair.
Lectures were supplemented with practical demonstrations. Each morning. we commenced with a ward round seeing two patients and getting the students to present the history and clinical signs of the patients. Their management was then discussed and suggestions for improvement were made. This was a useful exercise as we were able to improve clinical skills. It was also helpful to try and elucidate clinical reasoning and decision making and help with developing these skills. The students enjoyed having expert advice on the diagnosis and management of Shoulder and elbow conditions such as rotator cuff disease and frozen shoulder.
The students were assessed with practical tasks (history taking, focussed clinical examinations and a practical task (tendon repair on pork trotter, microsurgical nerve repair on Chicken Maryland (sciatic nerve) model as well as a written examination on the final day of the modules.
Roy Craig and Mano Valeniyasana with Agnes Auto, Tommy walters and Oralae Pitakia after a ward round.
The Research methods module was taught by Prof Nik Friederich by Zoom from Basle in Switzerland. Each day we began with a lecture and practical exercise aimed at understanding basic Research methodology including basic statistics and working throgh critical analysis of the surgical literature.
The exit exam was also held in the second week. There were 3 successful candidates Amthony Nasai (PNG), Juvencio Dias (Timor Leset) and Reshwin Rajan (Fiji / Solomon Islands).
Our thanks to the staff and patients of the TMM Hospital, Apia, and Lynn’s Getaway accommodation. Our special thanks to Bek’s restaurant 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 the Pacific Community (SPC), Wyss Medical Foundation, AO Alliance Foundation, Australian High Commission, Palau and South Pacific Projects.
Final celebration dinner at SIVA AFI traditional Samoan cultural dinner including fire dancing.
Tommy Walters and Mano Valeniyasa na demonstrating closed management of proximal humerus fractures.
Jeffrey Yiapi learning to use his microsurgical instruments.
Student performed microsurgical nerve and artery repair on Chicken Maryland model.
The next PIOA module will be held in Apia, Samoa from 16-28 September 2024. It will be hosted at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital in Moto’otua, Apia.
We will have 12 students from 6 countries (Papua New Guinea (3), Solomon Islands(3), Timor Leste (1), Fiji (2), Palau (1) and Samoa(2).
Papua New Guinea Fiji Solomon Islands
Samoa Palau Timor Leste
Lecturers from Samoa, Swizterland, Australia and New Zealand will facilitate the module.
In addition, 4 PIOA students will sit for their exit exams in the week 23-27 September 2024. This includes studenst from Papua New Guinea(2), Fiji (1), Timor Leste (1).
Check the website for a report on the module in early October.
I spent 3 months on sabbatical in Samoa working with Shaun Mauiliu , Areta Samuelu, Robert Fa’ataga and Michael Leota.
The main purpose was to do and teach basic spine surgery (discectomy and all types of decompressions, no instrumented surgery). I brought a spinal bed (Wilson frame ) with me and some basic decompression instruments.
We did 13 spinal decompressions, had 2 dural tears (sutured during the surgery) , but no other complications. During my stay I also did many other surgical procedures such as infection surgery, revision surgery, severe trauma (dislocated spine) and corrective surgery. There was great support from the team, nursing staff and an enormous gratitude from the patients.
I was impressed by the great hands of the surgeons and the failure of surgery or bad outcomes were almost entirely attributable to lack of proper instruments and implants. I believe Samoa has a great future for orthopaedic surgery, but will need ongoing support.
I encourage other surgeons to spend time in Samoa, supporting the team with mentoring and upskilling. Especially subspecialty surgeons/teams are useful, since they already have a good solid basic skill set.
Besides work, I had the pleasure to enjoy Samoa at its best ; food, beer, golf, walks, snorkeling, wedding, BBQ, quiz night, a visit to Savaii, dinners and parties.
I can only recommend it. Everyone benefits from this experience, myself and the people of Samoa. What more can one ask for.
Koen De Ridder,
(Paediatric and Spinal orthopaedic surgeon – usually based in Wellington, New Zealand)
The PIOA Introductory and Trauma modules were held at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva, Fiji from March 4th to 16th, 2024.
Week 1 Back row from L to R, Faculty in bold, Penijamini Naiceru (Fiji) Tzun Rafael (Palau,) James Tewa’ani (Solomon Islands, Pita Sovanivalu (Fiji), Tommy Walters (PNG), Juvencio Dias (Timor Leste), Shaun Mauiliu (Samoa), Manoa Valeniyasana (Fiji),Robert Fa’ataga (Samoa), Jeffrey Yiapi (Solomon Islands), Paul Lomavatu (Fiji). Front row from L to R Jacky Pahun (PNG), Pauliasi Bauleka (Fiji), Oralae Pitakia (Solomon Islands), Viola Kokiva (PNG)
In this module, the students were taught a systematic approach to diagnosis and management of orthopaedic conditions and trauma. This included clinical history taking and a thorough clinical examination, investigation and a structured, systematic approach to orthopaedic decision making. There was also an emphasis on a systematic approach to the management of trauma including the management of the soft tissues and the management of closed and open fractures. In addition, there were focussed lectures and practicals on the management of trauma affecting the long bones of the limbs.
Lectures were supplemented with practical demonstrations. Each morning. we commenced with a ward round seeing two patients and getting the students to present the history and clinical signs of the patients. Their management was then discussed and suggestions for improvement were made. This was a useful exercise as we were able to improve clinical skills. It was also helpful to try and elucidate clinical reasoning and decision making and help with developing these skills. The students enjoyed having expert advice on the diagnosis and management of trauma –which is common condition throughout the Pacific and are often poorly managed. The students were assessed with practical tasks (history taking, focussed clinical examinations and a practical external fixation task as well as a written examination on the final day of the modules.
Week 2 Back row from L to R, , Penijamini Naiceru (Fiji), Tommy Walters (PNG), Haynes Rasin (PNG), Juvencio Dias (Timor Leste), Viola Kokiva (PNG), Jacky Pahun (PNG),Tzun Rafael (Palau,) Jeffrey Yiapi (Solomon Islands) Paul Lomavatu (Fiji), Manoa Valeniyasana (Fiji), Robert Fa’ataga (Samoa), Front row Faculty in bold from L to R Pita Sovanivalu (Fiji), Mark Rokobuli (Fiji), Des Soares (Australia), Areta Samuelu (Samoa), Clay Siosi (Solomon Islands.
PIOA is pleased to partner with the Pacific Community who provided some funding for the recent Introductory and Trauma modules held in Suva Fiji.
One of the staff from SPC was able to visit the training module and interview two students, Dr, Viola Kokiva from PNG and Dr Tzun Rafael from Palau. You can read his impressions here. Please note the co-founder of PIOA is Dr. Patrick Houasia from Solomon Islands.
The exit exams were held at CWM Hospital in Suva, Fiji (25-29 September 2023). They consisted of 2 written papers of 2 hours duration each, 3 computer stations and 2 clinical vivas. Congratulations to our successful graduates Dr Clay Siosi Lewi from Solomon Islands and Dr Aitaoto Naseri Aitaoto from American Samoa. Thanks to our examiners Dr Richard Lander (NZ) and Dr John North (Australia) and examiner in training Dr David Bartle. Dr James Tewa’ani and Dr Areta Samuelu were exam observers.
Richard Lander with Naseri AitaotoRichard Lander with Clay SiosiL to R John North, Richard Lander and David Bartle
