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
I am an orthopaedic surgeon, currently serving as a Consultant at Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata.
My practice revolves around knee and shoulder joint pathologies with a special focus on arthroplasty, joint
preservation, and arthroscopic surgery. Apart from my clinical practice, I am deeply driven to contribute to
the dissemination of knowledge through publications in several reputed journals. I was fortunate enough to be
selected as the finalist and winner of ISAKOS Young Investigator’s Scholarship and Research Mentoring Program
for the year 2024. This scholarship had provided me with a unique opportunity to showcase my research to two
of the esteemed mentors of ISAKOS.
The pursuit of surgical excellence demands continuous learning and adaptation of evidence based medicine.
Though the ISAKOS Young Investigator’s Scholarship and Research Mentoring Program, I had the privilege of
training at the renowned Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute (SORI), a hub of innovation in orthopaedic surgery.
Under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. David Parker, the president of ISAKOS, I delved into the intricacies
of robotic knee arthroplasty, knee osteotomy techniques with patient specific instrumentation (PSI), and
advanced sports surgery techniques. It was exhilarating to watch many primary and complex knee arthroplasty
cases being done by Dr David Parker and Dr Myles Coolican using CORI navigation system or ROSA robotic system.
One of the most remarkable aspects of SORI was its commitment to innovation. The institute's world-class
gait lab and rehabilitation center underscored the importance of comprehensive patient care. Moreover,
SORI's dedicated unit for PSI was truly groundbreaking. I was fortunate to observe the entire process,
from pre-operative planning to manufacturing, and even witnessed a high tibial osteotomy performed using
the PSI technique. This experience provided invaluable insights into the future of personalized
orthopaedic surgery. Furthermore, I could also indulge in academics by attending meetings and
discussions to add new horizons to my research.
From the moment I stepped into SORI, I was met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The surgeons,
fellows, and staff were incredibly supportive, fostering a collaborative learning environment. My time
at SORI was more than just a surgical training experience, it was a profound immersion into the future
of orthopaedic surgery. The institute's commitment to research, innovation, and patient care is truly
remarkable. Dr. Parker's words of wisdom and guidance were invaluable. I am truly grateful to him for
giving me this opportunity.
My second half of the journey of learning and refinement began at Institute for Locomotion, Marseille, France
under the able guidance of Dr Matthieu Ollivier. I can safely name him as the master of knee osteotomies after
learning so many complex multiplanar osteotomies around the knee. The emphasis on precision was evident by him
performing the innovative surgeries on 3D printed models before operating on the patient. The meticulous surgical
planning, the use of advanced techniques made the complex multiligament surgeries, or cartilage reconstruction
procedures look easy. I was fortunate enough to observe multiple double level osteotomy done at both femur and tibia,
ACL reconstruction with tibial osteotomy, allograft based knee salvage procedures and hamstring graft based meniscus reconstruction.
The challenges of learning new techniques at a new place were mitigated by the friendly demeanour and hospitality of Dr Ollivier.
The time spend at IML was also filled with immersive research experience. Dr Ollivier allowed me to take part in multiple research
projects along with providing me with valuable suggestions about my research.
The knowledge and skills I gained from Dr David Parker and Dr Matthieu Ollivier will undoubtedly allow me to explore new
horizons of research and provide even better care to my patients.
I am deeply grateful to ISAKOS for this golden opportunity to have learned from such esteemed professionals, and I am
confident that this experience will shape my career for years to come.
Dr. Souvik Paul MS Orthopaedics(AIIMS), DNB, Dip SICOT, MCh.
Joint Replacement and Reconstruction (AIIMS),Fellowship in Sports Medicine (ISAKOS), Fellowship in Joint Replacement (Germany)