Dr Muhammad Muzzammil Sangani
Sindh Government Hospital Karachi, Pakistan.

 

I started my travel on 18 November from Karachi and reached Osaka on 19 November. From Osaka I continued by train to Fukuoka and checked into my hotel for rest before the start of the fellowship.

My fellowship began on 20 November at Fukuoka Children’s Hospital. Dr Haruhisa Yanagida welcomed me at my hotel and took me to the hospital. Fukuoka Children’s Hospital is a modern center with dedicated pediatric orthopedic services, well organized departments, and advanced diagnostic facilities. I met the surgical team including Dr Tomoyuki Nakamura and Dr Hiroshi Furukawa. After a short round we moved to the operation theater. The theater was fully equipped and supported by skilled staff. The first case was an epiphysiodesis of the right side using an 8 plate. I scrubbed and assisted Dr Ishikawa. Medial and lateral plates were inserted under C arm control. This case gave me direct exposure to the local surgical technique and workflow.

After the theater session we went to the ward. This was my first experience of a Japanese hospital environment. The ward was clean, well structured, and supported by efficient nursing staff. We reviewed several admitted cases and discussed the management of complex conditions. I observed the wide variety of cases treated here, including spinal deformity correction, pelvic procedures for DDH, corrective surgeries for foot deformities, multiple enchondromas, and AMC procedures. I also saw the use of plates, external fixators, and bone grafting in different clinical situations.

On the second day Dr Yanagida again picked me from the hotel. We started with the outpatient clinic. I observed and discussed many cases including postoperative follow ups and complex DDH cases with syndromic associations and cerebral palsy. I learned about the evaluation of CP and Down syndrome patients and the details of their postoperative care. After clinic we completed the ward round and reviewed postoperative patients. Later we moved to the operation theater where I scrubbed in an emergency trauma case. This helped me understand the emergency workflow in a pediatric setup.

A welcome dinner was arranged for me the next day at a traditional Japanese restaurant. I enjoyed the opportunity to experience Japanese food and culture with the Fukuoka Children’s Hospital team. The evening ended with a group photograph and warm interaction.

After completing the fellowship period in Fukuoka we traveled to Yokohama for the 36th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pediatric Orthopaedic Association. On 27 November at 5:30 pm I attended the presidential dinner at Hotel New Grand Yokohama. The event was well organised and I was seated with other JPOA fellows. The dinner began with welcome remarks by the JPOA President. The environment was friendly and I was able to meet several pediatric orthopedic surgeons. I also took memorable photographs with the attending faculty.

On 28 November I attended the conference at Pacifico Yokohama. I presented my abstract along with a short video that I prepared on my fellowship journey. The session was chaired by Dr Okada. The chair and the audience appreciated my presentation. Dr Yanagida also attended and shared encouraging comments. The session ended with a group photograph of the fellows and the chair. The conference included high quality scientific papers and sessions by invited speakers. I gained valuable academic exposure.

On the same day I attended the social dinner. The event included a toast, a well arranged meal, and discussions with pediatric orthopedic surgeons from many centers. The gathering provided a good opportunity for academic exchange.

The conference concluded on 28 November.

During my free days I traveled to several cities across Japan. I visited Miyajima, Nara, Osaka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Niigata, and Tokyo. These visits helped me understand Japanese culture, discipline, and lifestyle. They also added valuable personal experience to my professional journey.

This fellowship improved my surgical exposure and strengthened my clinical decision making. It also allowed me to explore major Japanese cities and understand their healthcare environment. I am grateful to JPOA for selecting me and supporting this fellowship. I appreciate the guidance and hospitality of Dr Yanagida and the Fukuoka Children’s Hospital team. This experience will have a long lasting positive impact on my career.