Weekly update 23 June

🔍 The Things You Learn When No One's Looking

Some lessons are taught in tutorials. Others live in textbooks.
But the ones that stay with us? They tend to arrive quietly — in a corridor conversation, at the bedside, or in the few unhurried minutes before theatre starts.

It’s the registrar who turns a failed intubation into a calm, methodical plan — and takes the time to explain not just what they did, but why.
It’s the intern who finally asks the question everyone’s been thinking but no one wants to voice.
It’s the nurse who notices your gloves are already on and gently opens the IV pack without you asking.

These aren’t the moments that earn CPD points or certificates. They don’t get PowerPoint slides or praise in M&M meetings.
But they build something far more lasting: confidence, connection, and trust.

So if you had a quiet win this week — a cannula on the first go, a good pre-op chat, the courage to say “I’m not sure” — we see you. That’s progress. And that matters.

Because while medicine is made of big cases and big calls, it’s also shaped by the smallest details — and sometimes, it’s those that leave the deepest imprint.

🎉 Happy Birthday on Wednesday, Professor Spijkerman!

On behalf of the department, we’d like to extend our warmest wishes to you on your birthday.

Your leadership, clinical wisdom, and unwavering commitment to teaching continue to inspire everyone around you — from the most junior intern to the most senior consultant. Your ability to balance excellence in anaesthesia with kindness, patience, and mentorship sets the tone for the team and makes our department stronger every day.

We hope today brings a moment to reflect on the lives you’ve impacted, the careers you’ve shaped, and the patients whose care has been elevated under your guidance.

Wishing you continued health, happiness, and success in all that you do — both inside and outside the operating theatre, running field and everywhere else.

Warm regards,
The Newsletter Team

💡 Clinical Pearl of the Week

Warming the Patient Starts Early

Hypothermia can set in before we even induce — especially in frail, elderly, or low-weight patients. Passive warming (like blankets) often isn't enough.

Be proactive: start active warming early — Bair Huggers, warmed IV fluids, and warmed blankets go a long way.

🗺 Where to find warming equipment:

• Level 4: Theatres 3 & 7
• Level 6: Between theatres 14 & 15, in recovery
• Level 8: Store room of Theatre 18 & outside Theatre 17

🧠 Quote of the Week

"Teaching is not about answering questions but about raising questions — opening doors for others in places they could not imagine."
— Yawar Baig

📚 Recommended Reading

1. 10 Tips for Safer Anaesthesia Handover

A quick, practical AAGBI guide to improving safety and clarity during handovers — particularly useful for on-calls or multi-anaesthetist theatre lists.
🔗 Read it here

2. Comprehensive Guide to Paediatric Spinal Blocks

From WFSA’s ATOTW series, this is an excellent clinical walkthrough for those involved in paediatric cases. The guide covers:

• Landmark-based and ultrasound techniques
• Weight-based dosing & needle selection
• Comfort-focused care — including temperature, sensory testing, and reassurance

🔗 Read the full guide

🌱 This Week, Try…

• Teaching one thing to someone junior — however small
• Asking someone more senior why they do something a certain way
• Writing down one learning point at the end of a shift
• Letting yourself be a beginner at something without shame

Savoury Chinese Steamed Egg (蒸蛋) with Umami Mushrooms

🔗 Full recipe & variations

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Style: Light, high-protein, easy to digest
Perfect with: Rice, pickled cucumber, or chilli crisp

🧾 Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 240 ml (1 cup) warm low-sodium chicken stock or water (match liquid to egg volume)
• 1 tsp light soy sauce
• Pinch of salt
• 100 g shiitake or brown mushrooms, sliced or minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 spring onion, sliced

🔥 Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs with stock/hot water. Strain for a silky texture.
2. Steam gently in a covered dish for 12–15 min until just set.
3. Sauté mushrooms in sesame oil until golden, then add soy sauce.
4. Top and garnish with mushrooms, spring onion, and optional chili oil.

📊 Macros (per serving, without rice):

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fat: 12 g
  ➕ Add ½ cup jasmine rice: +110 kcal, +2g protein, +25g carbs

💌 Sign-off

Here’s to the things we learn when no one’s watching.
Here’s to the people who make it safe to ask, wonder, and grow.
And here’s to showing up — even when it’s quiet, even when it’s hard.

Until next week,
🩺
— The UP Anaesthesia Team