Through The Keyhole

Podcast Series from the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons introduced by Professor Tan Arulampalan

Don Menzies and Tan discuss the growth of laparoscopic surgery techniques from the mid-90s and the extent to which radical approaches from 25 years ago are now common place across the world. They touch on the development of APLS as an organisation and discuss the challenges of aerosolisation in Covid19 theatre landscapes.

In this episode, Tan talks with Suviraj John, Senior Consultant Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. They discuss training programmes  in the UK and India, and the common challenges of training for risk management, leadership and communication skills. They consider the value of experience and how hard-won knowledge can be passed on effective. They look at the traits of successful surgical teams and what can be learned from non-medical sectors. 

Tan and Hamish explore some of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen in education as a result of the pandemic year. They explore how digital tools can be applied to surgical training to boost the experience of trainees. They discuss the modes of learning that can be ported between the educational and medical sectors. Dr Tamsin Morrison joins the conversation to reflect a surgical trainee's perspective on training in the lockdown year.

Dr. Tamsin Morrison joins Tan to discuss how diversity and inclusivity are core attributes of successful teams and how embracing a breadth of experiences improves health outcomes. They narrow the broad societal debates on diversity down to its impact within surgical teams and reflect on the value of cognitive diversity. 

In this extended episode, Tan is joined by Ben Tipney to discuss performance and error. Ben is a former international athlete with the Great Britain rowing team and holds a degree in Leadership & Sports Psychology.  He runs Med-Led, a company that optimises individual, team and organisational performance.

Mr Ian Beckingham joins Tan for a discussion on laparoscopic cholecystectomy and how to cope with the challenges of error.

Ian is a consultant surgeon at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. 

Tan discusses the development and impact of robotic-assisted surgery with Mr Chelliah Selvasekar, Consultant Colorectal and Laparoscopic Surgeon at The Christie Hospital and council member of ALSGBI. They explore some of the issues of data governance and training and suggest possible ways that current barriers may be overcome.

Neil joins Tan to discuss the challenges and opportunities around publishing research in an era of Covid and digital acceleration. Neil is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and Honorary Associate Professor at University of Exeter Medical School. Neil is also Editor in Chief of the Colorectal Disease Journal.

In this episode, Tan talks with Peter Sedman about the highs and lows of a surgical career and some of the lessons they have both learned. Within the conversation,  life hacks are discussed and Peter shares his tips for trainees starting out on a career in surgery.