British Microsurgical Travelling Club

When a new technique is developed, even “fully trained” Consultants seek further instruction and education. 

Arguably the biggest single innovation, and paradigm shift in reconstructive surgery is the advent of practical microsurgery. In the late 1970s and early 1980s microsurgery was taking off in the UK. Whilst many trainees had sought early fellowship training in this transformative reconstructive technique, partly developed in Britain, the technique was in its infancy. Not yet established enough to be routine, there was a hunger amongst British Plastic Surgeons to learn more about the developing techniques from its exponents abroad.

“The British Microsurgical Travellers Club” was an unofficial group of plastic surgeons who visited microsurgeons abroad. Organised largely by David Evans, the slightly inflated name and its letterhead opened the operating theatres doors of leading surgeons in various countries, none of whom refused their advances. The convincing “club” letterhead even persuaded their base units to award them “study leave”!

The club members made short trips to units in Europe and a longer trip to China in 1982 visiting surgeons well known for developing new microsurgical techniques. Wives were invited along for a jolly time and a bit of a holiday! lasted only a few years. 

Each visit comprised a professional programme of operative demonstrations and formal lectures in which other surgeons in these units took part. In China the club members gave their own presentations which were interpreted. It fostered not only learning but international communication and co-operation as well. Not all the members could make every trip. The club lasted only a few years until microsurgery became widespread in British units.