Report on Visitation to Dr. Pieter D'Hooghe at Aspetar Hospital, Doha, QATAR
Investigator Mentorship Program
The ISAKOS Young Investigator’s Scholarship and Research Mentoring Program has been a transformative experience, providing me with invaluable mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge clinical practices. The journey began with my attendance at the ISAKOS 2023 Congress in Boston, where my research proposal was selected as one of the two winning projects to proceed to the second phase of the program. This phase paired me with a mentor, offering a unique opportunity to advance my research under expert guidance. I was truly honored that Dr. Pieter D’Hooghe, a leading figure in sports medicine and arthroscopy, accepted me as his mentee.
A Structured, Enriching Visit at Aspetar Hospital
In the months leading up to my visit, Dr. D’Hooghe and I had several engaging and productive discussions about the project via Zoom and email. His insights were instrumental in refining the research plan, ensuring a robust methodology and a clear focus. After thorough preparation, we agreed on a date for my visit, and I traveled to Doha to collaborate in person at Aspetar Hospital.
Operating Room: Lateral ankle instability and syndesmotic instability surgeries
Day 1: Education and Practical Insights
The visit began with an engaging seminar led by Dr. Bruno Olory, who provided an in-depth overview of the biomechanics, diagnosis, and treatment of ankle ligament injuries. This session emphasized evidence-based approaches and underscored the critical role of rigorous research in improving clinical outcomes.
Later in the day, I observed advanced arthroscopic surgeries addressing lateral ankle instability and syndesmotic injuries, performed by Dr. D’Hooghe. These procedures highlighted state-of-the-art techniques in ligament reconstruction, accompanied by mentorship on intraoperative decision-making and postoperative rehabilitation.
Cadaveric work on the ISAKOS project, first part: plantar fascia release with handheld US / Morning seminar about ankle ligaments from Dr. Bruno Olory
In the afternoon, we commenced the first phase of the cadaveric study, concentrating on plantar fascia release guided by handheld ultrasound (US). The session focused on assessing the safety and accuracy of the technique, highlighting its potential use in office-based settings. Key anatomical landmarks were identified, enabling the execution of precise and minimally invasive procedures on cadavers.
Day 2: Needle Endoscopy Techniques
The second day centered on needle endoscopy for plantar fascia release, representing the second arm of the study. Using a two-medial-portal technique, we performed controlled releases under direct endoscopic visualization. This session emphasized procedural precision to avoid injury to adjacent nerves while collecting data on accuracy, safety, and surgical time.
Cadaveric work on the ISAKOS project, second part: plantar fascia release with needle scope
Days 3 and 4: Integrating Clinical and Research Activities
The third and fourth days blended clinical practice with research analysis. I attended patient consultations in the clinics, gaining insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic management of chronic foot and ankle conditions. Discussions with Dr. D’Hooghe covered patient selection criteria for surgical procedures and postoperative care strategies. Concurrently, we discussed the cadaveric study data, comparing outcomes between handheld US and needle endoscopy techniques.
Aspetar International Rehabilitation Conference
Day 5: Aspetar International Rehabilitation Conference
The fifth day featured the Aspetar International Rehabilitation Conference, where I attended sessions on innovative rehabilitation strategies for sports injuries, including post-surgical recovery. This interdisciplinary event reinforced the program’s emphasis on collaboration and offered a platform to network with global leaders in sports medicine.
Looking back on the program, I truly appreciated ISAKOS's dedication to supporting young investigators from developing countries by providing access to top-notch research resources and mentorship. The hands-on experience and exposure to diverse global perspectives gave me valuable skills and insights that I’m confident will enhance my contributions to the field of foot and ankle surgery. I’m excited to share the results of our study with the field after a thorough analysis.
My time at Aspetar, under the mentorship of Dr. D’Hooghe and the esteemed team, has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. This experience has inspired me to continue advancing research and clinical practice, and I am eager to carry forward the values and knowledge imparted by this extraordinary initiative. Aspetar, a world-class center for sports medicine and research, provided an unparalleled environment for our study. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced research and cadaveric laboratories, were integral to the project’s success.
I am deeply grateful to ISAKOS for making this experience possible. Their support—providing me with a mentor, enabling travel to a premier research center, and granting access to the resources necessary for the study—has been invaluable. This program has not only enriched my skills as a researcher but also inspired me to strive for excellence in my field. I am honored to have been part of such a prestigious initiative and appreciate the meaningful collaborations it has fostered.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. D’Hooghe for his warm welcome, invaluable mentorship, and unwavering support. I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as a mentor and a friend. The program also offered opportunities to expand my knowledge beyond the research lab. I had the privilege of observing surgeries related to the project, gaining insights into their clinical applications, and attending lectures that deepened my understanding of related pathologies. Aspetar's exceptional team, cutting-edge facilities, and collaborative culture left a lasting impression, exemplifying how clinical practice and research can be seamlessly integrated to advance patient care.
Bedri Karaismailoglu, MD, FEBOT
Assoc. Prof., Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Türkiye
Winner - ISAKOS Young Investigator’s Scholarship & Research Mentoring Program