What UK trust have you been placed at?

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

How did you decide to join the ISTP Programme?

College of Surgeons Sri Lanka, directed me to the ISTP programme after my local training in Orthopaedic Surgery for fellowship.

How has your journey as ISTP trainee been so far?

Excellent, I stayed in the UK for 18 months and really enjoyed my time there. It was a great academic experience as well as  enjoyable time for myself and my family.

What do you wish you knew, before joining the ISTP programme and coming to the UK?

It would have been ideal, if a practical overview of NHS healthcare system was provided to the trainee beforehand, ideally by a former trainee who understand the difference between the local and the UK systems. For instance, the GP referral systems, IT systems and how radiology is linked to all healthcare facilities, is relatively new. It is not a major issue that affects your work, but nice to know things before you start. It is very different to most of the developing countries, so trainees may find it is something that need adjustment to.

Has the ISTP Programme helped you with your professional and personal development? 

Definitely, Yes. Having had an extensive trauma experience in Sri Lanka, ISTP placement helped me to fine tune my skills to match the international level. This involved supervised operating as well as lot of input on scientific and professional communication. 

What has been the biggest advantage of your placement under the ISTP programme?

I would say, getting to know the academic and professional colleagues who excel in the field. They serve as role models, mentors that help to advance your career.

What do you think has been the biggest challenge of undertaking the ISTP training post?

Getting used to the IT systems and NHS UK which is different to the local healthcare set up was challenging. Again, it is not a major challenge, but part of the adjustment that is required to work in a different setting.

Would you recommend the ISTP training to your colleagues? Why?

Yes, That’s life changing, It enables you to stand on par with other world class professional colleagues. It opens you, a massive set of opportunities if you are focussed and use them.

What does day of ISTP trainee looks like?

Similar to a usual UK trainee, Attending clinics, theatre sessions and on calls. It is busy until you get used to the paperwork and IT system, but once you are part of the team, everyday becomes a day that you look forward to.

What is the biggest difference between working in your home country and in the UK?

IT system and documentation. It is a challenge to identify the system requirements, but again, it is not a difficult task. People might say language and cultural differences are a matter of concern. But I never found them challenging. It is partly how you embrace them as well.  In fact, I should say, my mentors were extremely supportive, specially Mr Phil Stott, then clinical lead of the department for me to adjust to the situation. One of my mentors used to tell me where to take my family, every weekend as a getaway. It is a time of great professional camaraderie.

Do you have any favourite story from your UK training, which you would like to share? 

Every day is a story, every patient you treat and every smile of gratitude, every word of encouragement from your mentors has a story behind. And I am in the process of writing it up in the form of a book. So look forward to it.

How are you going to implement new skills and ideas when you return to your home?

I am already participating and encouraging trainees to push their boundaries and get in to academic world. 

Are you the only doctor in your family? 

Yes.

When did you know you want to become a surgeon? What led you to choose your specialty?

As 3rd year medical student I knew, I wanted to be a surgeon, But only when  I did the orthopaedic rotation as a surgical trainee that  I decided to be an orthopaedic surgeon. But then, there were not any women in the field, not a single girl in training. SO I did find it challenging to embark on this career. But I was so passionate about operating and getting people back on their feet, doing what they enjoy. Orthopaedic surgery is life changing for patients.  I agree it may be similar in all medical specialities, But I found my passion lies there.

How do you de-stress after intense day at work?

There is no stress if you do what you love, its called passion, not stress. You tend to be in a career than a job.

What would you want to be if you were not a surgeon?

A writer, a journalist- someone who writes.

What is your biggest professional and personal dream for the future

Professionally I would want to be a world class wrist surgeon and an academic. In a personal dream, I would love to visit Scotland and spend a really long holiday.

What is your wish for the next generation of surgeons all around the world?

They have to be sub or super specialised, move with cutting edge technology, but at the same time, I would expect them to be compassionate with strong work ethics.

Which British dish/ custom/ show became your favourite while in the UK? 

I loved Cornish scones, loved my trips to Cornwall, Shows- I am not a TV person, so I hardly know any shows as such, not even in my country.

How do you like to drink your tea?

Plain, with no sugar, no milk.