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- Talk
- 20/09/2022
- UK
The Good, the Bad, and the Hopeful. The Impact of Covid on Orthopaedic Surgery in South Africa
Description
In this engaging talk, Anria Horn, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon from Cape Town, reflects on her journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing personal experiences, challenges, and hopeful developments. She expresses gratitude to the World Orthopedic Concern Group for the opportunity to address her peers. Anria humorously discusses the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and frames her narrative around the themes of 'the good, the bad, and the hopeful.'
She provides insights into the initial lockdown in South Africa, highlighting the abrupt transition to isolation, panic buying, and its effects on medical practice—where elective surgeries were halted, and surgeons were reassigned to COVID duties. Anria illustrates the chaos and anxiety experienced by South Africans, particularly the prohibition of alcohol sales during the lockdown, which became a significant source of distress.
Amidst the difficulties, she shares how the medical community adapted, including the development of innovative solutions like the Ubuntu Booth to minimize the need for personal protective equipment (PPE). Anria notes how the pandemic inspired community initiatives to provide masks for underprivileged patients and mentions funny anecdotes about virtual races among colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie.
Anria also addresses the significant impact on surgical services, how the pandemic changed educational approaches in medical training, and the importance of technology in facilitating teaching during this challenging period. With a blend of humor and serious reflection, she emphasizes that recovery isn't merely about technological advancements; it is rooted deeply in human connection and the unwavering dedication to patient care. The talk concludes on a hopeful note, acknowledging the resilience of the medical community and the relationships that will shape their path to recovery.