
Behind the 'Fella
All things plastic surgery. The podcast where we record "The Plastics Fella" team meetings and take you behind the scenes of ThePlasticsFella platform. We also deep dive into complex topics with expert guests.
Latest episodes

Oct 27, 2024 • 39min
28 Days in Gaza with Ms Victoria Rose: Surgery, Logistics & How to Help
Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon from the UK and chair of the SAC, shares her gripping experiences in Gaza. She reveals the daunting challenges of performing surgery without standard tools and how she innovatively uses vinegar to combat infections. Highlighting the alarming rise in severe injuries among children, she discusses the urgent need for training local surgeons and the pivotal role of plastic surgery in post-conflict recovery. Victoria also advocates for support, underscoring the importance of humanitarian efforts in these trying circumstances.

Oct 17, 2024 • 39min
The Oral Exam Playbook: 3 Tips with Prof Andy Hart
Summary
This conversation focuses on the viva oral exam for plastic surgery trainees, discussing preparation strategies, understanding the exam process, and the dynamics between examiners and candidates. There is a strong focus on the FRCS exam. The speakers share insights on common mistakes, the importance of higher-order thinking, and practical tips for success in the exam. They also engage in a mock exam scenario to illustrate key points and provide valuable resources for trainees.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Viva Oral Exam
03:53 Preparation Strategies for the Exam
06:37 Understanding the Exam Structure
09:43 Examiner Dynamics and Candidate Interaction
13:02 Higher Order Thinking in Responses
15:51 Common Mistakes to Avoid
18:40 Mock Exam and Practical Tips
24:57 Final Thoughts and Resources
Takeaways
Preparation for the viva exam starts months in advance.
Confidence in preparation is crucial for success.
Understanding the examiner's perspective can help candidates perform better.
Higher-order thinking is essential in answering exam questions.
Practicing with peers can enhance performance and reduce anxiety.
Candidates should focus on succinct, structured answers.
Recognizing when to seek help during the exam is important.
Mock exams provide valuable experience and feedback.
Being aware of common mistakes can improve exam performance.
The viva exam is an opportunity to demonstrate clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
Keywords
FRCS, viva oral exam, plastic surgery, exam preparation, examiner dynamics, higher order thinking, common mistakes, mock exam, surgical education

Sep 23, 2024 • 40min
5 Surgical Techniques Every Plastic Surgeon Should Master
Behind the 'Fella by thePlasticFella.
In this conversation with the Plastics Fella team, the speakers delve into essential techniques and skills required in plastic surgery, focusing on wound management, suturing, flap surgery, and advanced techniques like hemostasis and negative pressure wound therapy. They emphasize the importance of experience, confidence, and continuous learning in mastering these skills, while also sharing personal insights and anecdotes from their surgical training and practice.
Takeaways
Wound management is a fundamental skill for plastic surgeons.
Suturing techniques vary and require mastery for effective outcomes.
Flap surgery involves understanding layers and proper thinning techniques.
Negative pressure wound therapy is crucial for complex wounds.
Confidence in surgical skills develops with experience and practice.
Choosing appropriate dressings is essential for wound healing.
Debridement is a nuanced skill that requires careful decision-making.
Understanding hemostasis is vital in managing surgical bleeds.
Finger replantation encompasses multiple surgical skills and techniques.
Continuous learning and adaptation are key to surgical success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Conference Plans
01:06 Key Surgical Techniques in Plastic Surgery
01:44 Wound Management Techniques
06:32 Suturing Techniques and Tissue Handling
12:47 Flap Techniques and Layer Recognition
23:20 Unique Techniques and Final Thoughts
40:01 Behind the 'Fella Jingle.wav

Sep 8, 2024 • 45min
Underrated Plastic Surgery Resources Every Surgeon Needs
Episode Summary:In this episode of Behind the 'Fella, Ryan, Kurt, and Suzanne take a deep dive into the most underrated resources for learning plastic surgery. From top journals like JPRAS and BSH to essential textbooks such as Essentials of Plastic Surgery and Graben Smith's Plastic Surgery, they break down the tools every plastic surgeon should be using. They also explore powerful online platforms like Plastic Surgery Key and Microsurgeon.org, while highlighting how social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter can offer a unique edge for staying up to date with courses, conferences, and clinical expertise.
The team from thePlasticsFella also discusses the potential of building a community forum for plastic surgeons to exchange ideas, along with the exciting debate on whether the the Plastics Fella platform should develop an app for its members.
Whether you're preparing for your FRCS exam, looking for continuing education resources, or aiming to stay ahead in the field, this episode has you covered with fresh insights into the resources you didn’t know you needed!
Key Topics Discussed:
Journals: JPRAS, BSH, PRS, PRS Global Open
Textbooks: Essentials of Plastic Surgery, Graben Smith's Plastic Surgery
Online learning platforms: Plastic Surgery Key, Microsurgeon.org
Social media: How Instagram and Twitter are transforming plastic surgery education
The importance of community-driven learning and case discussion forums with thePlasticsFella
The debate over building an app for the Plastics Fella
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Missing Team Member02:03 - Best Learning Resources in Plastic Surgery13:27 - Online Platforms: Plastic Surgery Key and Microsurgeon.org19:33 - Social Media for Plastic Surgery Learning21:19 - Instagram vs. Twitter for Learning26:33 - The Value of Face-to-Face Learning34:12 - Courses and Conferences38:59 - App Development: Should the Plastics Fella Build One?42:23 - Building a Community for Surgeons with thePlasticsFella
Takeaways:
Journals like JPRAS and BSH are must-reads for plastic surgery trainees.
Essential textbooks such as Essentials of Plastic Surgery provide in-depth knowledge.
Online platforms and social media offer new ways to stay updated in plastic surgery.
thePlasticsFella community fosters collaboration and case discussions for plastic surgeons.
There’s a growing debate on whether the Plastics Fella should build an app for its members.
Keywords for SEO:Plastic surgery, learning resources, plastic surgery journals, plastic surgery textbooks, online learning, Instagram, Twitter, plastic surgery education, FRCS exam prep, plastic surgery apps, plastic surgery forums, thePlasticsFella, the Plastics Fella, plastic surgery community.

Aug 23, 2024 • 53min
Deep Dive into all things Skin Grafts: Design, Raise, Inset & Complications
The conversation covers topics such as the donor sites for full thickness and split thickness skin grafts, techniques for raising and thinning the grafts, and methods for closing the donor sites. The speakers also discuss the use of tumescence and different instruments for grafting. There is a difference in preferences and techniques among the speakers, highlighting the variability in practice. The conversation focused on the different techniques and approaches to skin grafting, including tie-over dressings, quilting, and bolster dressings. The speakers discussed their preferences and experiences with these methods, as well as the use of specific dressings such as Kaltostat and honey-based dressings. They also touched on the management of complications and the timing of follow-up visits. Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of skin grafting.
Keywords
skin grafts, donor sites, full thickness, split thickness, raising, thinning, closure, tumescence, instruments, skin grafting, tie-over dressings, quilting, bolster dressings, Kaltostat, honey-based dressings, complications, follow-up visits
Keywords
skin grafts, donor sites, full thickness, split thickness, raising, thinning, closure, tumescence, instruments, skin grafting, tie-over dressings, quilting, bolster dressings, Kaltostat, honey-based dressings, complications, follow-up visits

Jul 11, 2024 • 58min
Everything Research: Design, Randomise, Publish, Ethics, Funding ft. Justin Wormald
Join us as we welcome Justin Wormald for an insightful discussion on the intricacies of research in plastic surgery. We explore the motivations, barriers, and ethics in the current research landscape, using the Hawaii trial as a case study. Discover the importance of collaborative research, ethical considerations, and the impact on patient care. We delve into the design and randomization of studies, the PICO framework, and the value of tools like Redcap for data management. Learn about the challenges of academic publishing, the cost and accessibility of open access journals, and the need for a global approach to research. Get tips on time management, securing funding, and obtaining informed consent. Tune in to rethink the incentive structure and make research more impactful and accessible.
Further reading:
Surgical Trial Training Course
RSTN
HAWAII Trial
https://x.com/HawaiiTrial
Keywords: plastic surgery, research design, randomization, ethics, funding, publication, clinical equipoise, PICO framework, data management, Redcap, academic publishing, open access, time management, informed consent

Jun 13, 2024 • 40min
Flexor Teno Unpacked, Suture Controversy, & Anki Insights
Welcome to another episode of Behind the 'Fella. A podcast by thePlasticsFella where we discuss all things plastic surgery.
The team meeting begins with introductions and welcomes from team members located in different parts of the world. The meeting covers a variety of topics including test prep essentials, clinical discussions, and a quiz competition. Technical issues and casual banter add a light-hearted tone to the meeting. The conversation covers a range of topics including a quiz, the use of flashcards in medical education, and the surgical approach to flexor tenosynovitis. The quiz involves participants making sounds with their mouths and answering questions related to medical history. The discussion on flashcards explores their effectiveness, creation, and use in medical education. The surgical approach to flexor tenosynovitis is discussed, highlighting the lack of consensus and the importance of aggressive management. The conversation covers the topic of irrigation and suturing in plastic surgery, with a focus on the choice of irrigation solution and the debate between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. The participants share their experiences and preferences, highlighting the importance of patient comfort, aesthetic outcomes, and surgical technique.
Chapters
00:00 Global Team Collaboration and Introductions
03:12 Test Prep Essentials and Clinical Discussions
14:30 Quiz Competition and Technical Issues
24:37 The Power of Flashcards in Medical Education
45:01 Surgical Approaches to Flexor Tenosynovitis
51:53 The Choice of Irrigation Solution in Plastic Surgery
01:05:10 The Great Debate: Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable Sutures
01:17:06 Regional Variations in Surgical Practices
Keywords
team meeting, introductions, test prep, clinical discussions, quiz competition, technical issues, banter, quiz, medical history, flashcards, medical education, surgical approach, flexor tenosynovitis, evidence-based practice, plastic surgery, irrigation, sutures, absorbable sutures, non-absorbable sutures, patient comfort, aesthetic outcomes, surgical technique

May 26, 2024 • 38min
Meet the Team! Also, K-Wire Tips, Seymour Fractures, & Video Platform Brainstorm
Say hi to the team! Join us as we dive into the practical aspects of K-wires, offer essential tips for managing Seymour fractures, and brainstorm on enhancing surgical knowledge sharing through video platforms.

May 15, 2024 • 2min
Behind The 'Fella Teaser
Welcome to Behind the Fella, where we dive deep into the world of plastic surgery. In this trailer, I'll share the inspiration behind the podcast, introduce you to our passionate team, and give you a sneak peek of the compelling stories and expert interviews we have lined u