The resident surgeon and founder of Skalpel has recently passed the European Board of Hand Surgery examination. This makes him the first plastic surgeon in South Africa, and one of only two surgeons in the country, to obtain this prestigious qualification.
1. How do you qualify to write the EBHS examination?
This certification represents more than just an internationally accredited examination. To qualify, one must first complete a two-year fellowship in hand surgery at specific accredited units worldwide. I was privileged to undertake my fellowship at the esteemed Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Additionally, candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency across all aspects of hand surgery. This includes operating on a vast amount of hand conditions from congenital deformities, trauma, arthritis, nerve pathologies, microsurgery, soft tissue, and bone reconstruction and specialised conditions such as brachial plexus injuries.
2. What do you hope will come from having this qualification?
My focus, since my year as a resident, has been on using plastic surgery to improve the quality of life for my patients.
Hands are like faces—they express, create, and connect. You can play an instrument with them, engage in sports, and convey emotions or love. Hands craft beautiful art and provide for loved ones. These remarkable tools of the body demand exceptional skill and precision from surgeons.
This qualification will empower me to provide specialised hand surgery to South Africans, addressing the country’s critical shortage of subspecialist hand surgeons. There is an urgent need to improve care for these complex conditions, and I am determined to help fill this gap. Additionally, it will allow me to train and mentor aspiring surgeons, guiding them toward a challenging yet deeply rewarding career in hand surgery.
3. Why did you choose to pursue the EBHS?
There is currently no formal subspecialty training in hand surgery in South Africa, yet the demand for plastic surgeons with a special interest in hand surgery is substantial. In developed countries, the recommended ratio is typically around 1 hand surgeon per 200,000 to 250,000 people. However, in South Africa, the ratio is closer to 1 hand surgeon per 1.2 million people, highlighting a significant shortage of specialist hand surgeons. The need for plastic surgeons with expertise in hand surgery is even more critical.
The EBHS is an international qualification with worldwide recognition and accreditation. This qualification has given me the tools to manage most hand surgery cases optimally and puts better care in reach for more South Africans.
4. What’s Next?
My next step is to establish a world-class plastic surgery service with a dual focus on Hand & Peripheral Nerve and Aesthetic surgery that caters to both local and international patients in Cape Town and the greater Winelands region.
I am deeply committed to continuous learning and growth, knowing that there will always be new professional relationships to build and innovative surgical techniques to explore. For me, life truly begins at the edge of your comfort zone, where discovery and progress thrive.
