The Austrian Swiss German (ASG) Fellowship 2020 (postponed until 2023!)

Satish Kutty

The Austrian-Swiss-German (ASG) fellowship was set up in 1978 to facilitate an exchange programme where surgeons from the German speaking countries of Austria, Switzerland and Germany visited the UK, Canada, and the USA. A reciprocal arrangement ensued. I was privileged to be chosen by the BOA in 2019 to be part of the ASG class of 2020. COVID-19 unfortunately caused postponements until April 2023. Brian Mullis a trauma surgeon form Indiana was my co-fellow on this four-week educational trip.

Our journey began in Germany where we spent two weeks crossing the length and breadth of the country. We visited centres of excellence in Homburg/Saar, Magdeburg, Berlin, Cologne, Essen/ Mulheim, Bonn and Dusseldorf. We were hosted by former ASG fellows who hold a chair or a very high leadership position. We travelled on to Switzerland where we were hosted in Zurich before then travelling to Austria and visiting the cities of Innsbruck and Vienna. In our final leg of the journey, we finished off being part of the South German Orthopaedic Association Conference in Baden-Baden. Here Anke Eckardt, the secretary of the ASG hosted the traditional ‘Asparagus Dinner’ for the ASG fellows at the Brenner’s Park Hotel.

“What have we learnt?” was a routine question throughout our travels. Given our seniority (nearly 10 years as a consultant), we were both set in our practices. However, we were open to learn, and learn we did. There was a clear dichotomy between trauma and orthopaedics with trauma run by general surgeons. We were witnessing a slow merger of the two. We interacted with key opinion leaders in the German Speaking countries. The hosts were all ASG fellows and we learned how their differing leadership styles grew and developed departments. The success of fostering and building teams was clearly evident. This was one of the greatest benefits of the fellowship. We have continued to be in touch with the friends we have made. I hope to contribute to the ASG and support the next generation of trainees.