Description
In this engaging presentation, Basil Vrettos discusses the challenges and adaptations faced in both personal and professional spheres due to water scarcity and energy shortages, highlighting his experiences in Cape Town. He humorously expresses a preference for either Ireland or France winning in rugby, should the Springboks fail, while acknowledging key figures in his career. Delving into the sustainability issues, Basil recounts how his city successfully reduced water consumption by 50% amidst a severe drought, adapting daily habits to conserve water. He reflects on the historical context of water disputes and emphasizes community resilience when facing adversity. Basil then transitions to the topic of sustainable surgical practices, revealing how financial constraints have led to environmentally friendly choices in his medical practice. He emphasizes the importance of changing surgical behaviors, including reducing waste and reusing instruments, while promoting innovations in product design to mitigate the ecological impact of medical procedures. Throughout his talk, he advocates for a shift in mindset towards sustainability in healthcare, encouraging collaboration among surgeons and industry stakeholders to establish more sustainable practices.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-240716