Advanced Burn Care (Surgery) in the UAE

We were delighted to return to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in the UAE. The training follows successful delivery of ABC(Nursing) held in December 2023 and is part of a concerted effort by the Department of Health to develop a centre of excellence in the region.

ABC(Surgery) has been run twice before in Nepal (2018) and Ethiopia ((2020). The course was updated and revised for delivery in this high resource setting including the addition of ISBI practice guidelines and a session on mass casualty burn disasters and conflicts.

21 surgeons attended the training, representing a broad range of professional experience. Participation and feedback were enthusiastic with confidence levels across key areas rising significantly. 98% of participants found the training to be ‘highly relevant’ to their daily work and ‘very useful’. 97% of participants felt the training was ‘appropriate for their needs’. 99% felt the teaching methods were ‘excellent’ and 100% felt inspired by the training. 99% said they would be able to apply much of the training to their work; all participants ‘highly enjoyed’ the training and would recommend it to others. Feedback included:

‘I left the burn unit convinced I would never return; I am now reconsidering that. The global disparity in care and resources is not as broad as many think it is; this fraternity is the organization, and their impact is palpable. Small things done well can make a difference!’.

‘When I saw the timetable I thought it might be superficial knowledge but as I went through the training I see I need to change my attitude to treating burns; considering aspects that never came to mind. With new knowledged to know how to deal with complex injuries and, most importantly how to work as a team’.

Participants particularly praised the knowledge, warmth and inspirational quality of the faculty who represented some of the most experienced burn clinicians globally. We thank: Sian Falder (UK), Francis Tegete (Tanzania), Jim Gallagher (US), Nikki Allorto (South Africa), Nadia Depetris (Italy), Santosh Bhandari and Rojina Shilpakar (Nepal), Ellie Curtis (US), Tom Potokar (UK and France), Samirah Egeh (UAE).

We also extend our thanks to the Abu Dhabi Department of Health for generously funding the course, and the staff and management of SSMC for hosting the training. Special thanks to Deborah Pierce and Ellie Curtis for their support.