HOT Vivas: A Partnership Forged in Excellence
In the heart of Lancashire, Wrightington Hospital stands as a beacon of orthopaedic excellence, drawing specialists from around the world to its renowned fellowship programs. It was here, amidst the historic walls and cutting-edge research, that two aspiring orthopaedic surgeons, Harry Benjamin-Laing and Nik Sharma, met during their Post CCT fellowship.
The Meeting: A Chance Encounter Harry and Nik paths first crossed in the bustling corridors of Wrightington Hospital. Both were driven by a shared passion for orthopaedic surgery and a commitment to excellence. Their initial interactions, filled with discussions about complex cases and surgical techniques, quickly revealed a mutual respect and camaraderie. Their fellowship days were marked by rigorous training, long hours in the operating theatre, and countless coffee-fueled study sessions.
The Spark: Identifying a Need As the fellowship progressed, Harry and Nik noticed a common struggle among their peers: the daunting preparation for the FRCS Orth Part 2 exam. This high-stakes examination required not only a deep understanding of orthopaedic principles but also the ability to articulate this knowledge under intense pressure. The duo realized that while there were numerous resources available, there was a distinct lack of practical, real-world preparatory tools that could simulate the viva experience.
The Idea: Creating HOT Vivas During one of their late-night study sessions, an idea began to take shape. They envisioned a series of mock viva scenarios that could help candidates prepare more effectively for the FRCS Orth Part 2 exam. These scenarios would focus on Higher Order Thinking (HOT), encouraging candidates to think critically and articulate their reasoning clearly. Harry and Nik wanted to create resources that provided structure and direction, even if they weren't perfect answers.
The Execution: From Concept to Reality With their vision clear, Harry and Nik began crafting these mock viva scenarios. They drew from their own experiences, incorporating a range of cases that reflected the diversity and complexity of the actual exam. Their goal was to create a "fly on the wall" guide that candidates could pause, forward, and replay as needed. They believed this approach would demystify the viva process and build candidates' confidence.
HOT Vivas: A New Era of Exam Preparation HOT Vivas quickly gained popularity among orthopaedic trainees. The scenarios, though not exhaustive, provided invaluable insights into the structure and flow of the viva. By practicing with these resources, candidates could better imagine the direction of travel during the actual exam. Harry and Nik's initiative not only filled a critical gap in FRCS Orth Part 2 exam preparation but also fostered a sense of community and support among aspiring orthopaedic surgeons.
Legacy: Inspiring Future Generations Today, HOT Vivas continues to be a trusted resource for FRCS Orth candidates. Harry and Nik's dedication to helping their peers has left an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of orthopaedic surgeons to pursue excellence and share their knowledge.
Through HOT Vivas, Harry Benjamin-Laing and Nik Sharma have made a lasting impact on the field of orthopaedic surgery, embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation that first brought them together at Wrightington Hospital.
