Sutures, studies and sightseeing in London – my experience with UCL’s International Summer School

– by Georgina Earl, University of Western Australia

 

This winter, I had the privilege of travelling from Perth, Australia, to British summer sunshine (and of course some rain!) for University College London’s International Summer School. What a time it was! As a part of the first cohort for the ‘Nerve Injury Treatment’ module, I had the chance to study, travel, eat, laugh and even practice suturing, with students from across the globe. Coming from a myriad of academic backgrounds, we each brought something different to the (operating ) table. And we enjoyed every minute. Our intensive three weeks were spent learning from professionals in the fields of peripheral nerve surgery, physiotherapy, tissue engineering and robotics, with a focus on treatment for peripheral nerve injuries.

We spent some of our time learning at the UCL campus. But, in amongst lectures, tutorial classes and assignments were nestled absolute gems of experience, unforgettable exposure into the workings of medical teams behind peripheral nerve injury, and the chance to live like a local in London.

From day one, we were at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital London, sitting in on clinics. As a neuroscience student, with a focus more on the brain and spinal cord, it was fantastic to see the practical applications of knowledge of the whole nervous system, and what happens when nerves servicing the rest of the body are damaged. We observed patient-doctor interactions. We also learned about the treatment of problems such as nerves compressed by bone fractures, brachial plexus palsies in children and lesions of nerves in road accident survivors.

Our class had the chance to travel up to Stanmore orthopaedic hospital, where we tried out haptics technology. These robots enable you to feel objects in virtual reality, even if there is no object there. Engineers and physios are currently in the process of using this for phantom limb pain and rehab after peripheral nerve damage. In the labs, we saw new technologies of engineered neural tissue (EngNT), being produced to help provide a conduit for peripheral nerves to regenerate themselves. We tried splints and tests that physios perform to help in the rehab process.

In addition to this, we had the opportunity to stand in on surgery… the quick, calm surgeons gathered around their patient, clad in their scrubs, ready for action. With our little pink caps on tight, we leaned in, straining to see whatever we could of a compressed sciatic nerve, lesioned axillary nerve or just a bit of blood and gore! We also took a lesson in scrubbing up and suturing, stitching up a make-shift nerve out of foam, as if to repair it.

And of course, being in London, we had the wonders of one of the world’s most interesting cities right on our doorstep. With our new worldwide friends, we were able to enjoy the many museums, restaurants, theatres, markets and nearby beauties throughout the three weeks.

But beneath all the fun and excitement, we had the great privilege of seeing and hearing about some of the most private experiences of ordinary people; experiences of pain, trauma and loss. We saw the role of the healthcare system in caring for patients, and the potential positive impact the work of many disciplines, and many hands, working together can have.

A big thank you is owed to our fantastic, engaging coordinator and surgeon Mr Tom Quick, all the lecturing and academic staff, the hospitals and labs for letting us in, and the staff at UCL Summer School. For this opportunity I am most grateful. And if you are keen for some international exposure, I highly recommend UCL’s International Summer School!

Georgina Earl