Angus Lane's Sri Lankan Placement

James Cook University (JCU), 5^th year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery student, Angus Lane, recently completed a month long clinical, international placement with JCU’s sister university in Sri Lanka.

On medical placement, Lane got the chance to learn, practice and implement valuable new clinical skills from supervising registrars such as: suturing and stapling.

“I learnt how to close wounds using suturing and stapling. I was also able to do some minor amputations along with basic [surgical] assisting skills,” said Angus Lane.

Lane said he got to witness and assist surgeons during an array of clinical procedures.

“I got to see some really cool procedures… like thyroidectomies and POEMs (Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy). In Sri Lanka, it is common to see serious thyroid disease and I assisted in the removal of one which was fifteen centimetres.” He said.

He said the skills that he has learnt on placement will help him in his future medical practice.

“Clinically, we saw amazing things in Sri Lanka. Presentations and surgical performance which will make us more qualified, diligent, competent and culturally appropriate physicians. We saw cases that would never be seen in Australia.” Said Lane.

Lane had the chance to immerse himself in the rich and diverse Sri Lankan culture and explore historical landmarks.

“When not on placement, we did quite a few world heritage sights; Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress which was built well over a thousand years ago. We went to a national park, and after staying the night, rose at sunrise to see elephants playing. We went to a place called Galle which is on the South Coast not far from Colombo which, had just gorgeous tropical beaches.”

He said the experience was one of a kind and one that he would never forget.

“I had a great time. I got to learn and experience a lot more than I think I would have here in Australia. Speaking to my colleagues who did their surgical attachments here I’ve got the added benefit of seeing different ways of doing things in different cultures. It’s nice just to experience something new, something different.” said Lane.

In the future, Lane would like to go back to Sri Lanka to practice when he is a fully qualified medical practitioner.

“I want to go back there on an unpaid elective when fully qualified just to re-experience it again. I feel my experiences on the Island and in the operating theatre made me a much, much better doctor, with a greater appreciation for clinical history and examination and enhanced ability to cope with much greater workloads.” Said Angus Lane.