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- Talk
- 21/09/2022
- UK
Orthopaedic Response to Conflict and Disaster; Lessons Learned and Transferable Skills: NGO Experience
Description
In this insightful talk, Shehan Hettiaratchy, a plastic surgeon and trauma director in London, shares valuable lessons from his extensive experience in conflict and disaster surgery. He discusses the important transferable skills for surgeons in such challenging environments, drawing on his past engagements with various NGOs, including responses to the Haiti earthquake and the Ukraine conflict.
Hettiaratchy emphasizes three key areas: social skills, personal adaptability, and the unique experiences of working in an NGO setting. He outlines the need for practical surgical skills, highlighting that being up-to-date with techniques is critical but not sufficient. He stresses that adaptability and the ability to operate under less-than-ideal conditions are vital for success, as many traditional practices may not be applicable in disaster scenarios.
He warns against the ego that can hinder effective teamwork in these high-stress environments and discusses the necessity of followership, especially when working with younger or less experienced leaders in NGOs. Hettiaratchy details the complexities and unpredictability of working overseas, urging medical professionals to assess their own skills and mindset before volunteering.
The talk also touches on the importance of flexibility, diplomacy, and an open mind in navigating local cultures while maintaining a focus on delivering patient care. He reflects on personal anecdotes from his missions, describing how collaborations sometimes shift from surgery to training local teams, illustrating the importance of building relationships and adaptability in practice.
In conclusion, Hettiaratchy advocates for healthcare professionals to embrace the challenge of NGO work, emphasizing the profound impact that their contributions can have on communities in crisis, while also acknowledging the enriching personal experience it can offer.