Bone Appétit: A Feast for Orthopaedic Enthusiasts

What do you get when you mix drills, sutures, and a group of eager medical students? A hands-on introduction to orthopaedics that is equal parts fun and formative. Aspiring doctors were given a generous taste of the speciality during the BONES & BEYOND: NUMed Orthopaedic Workshop 2026.

Organised by the NUMed Surgical Society recently, the workshop brought orthopaedics to life, offering medical students a refreshing break from textbook learning. Designed as a hands-on, beginner-friendly experience, it aimed to give undergraduate students early exposure to orthopaedics in a safe, supportive, and interactive setting.

“Orthopaedics is a very practical speciality, and many of the skills involved are difficult to fully appreciate through lectures alone,” observed Pooja Chandran, a final-year MBBS student and Co‑Lead of the workshop. With that in mind, the objective was clear: to move beyond purely theoretical teaching and build confidence in approaching common orthopaedic scenarios.

BONES & BEYOND featured four core stations, namely X-ray interpretation, tendon suturing, basic orthopaedic implants and procedures, and closed manual reduction (CMR) with plaster of Paris (POP) application, each carefully structured to blend foundational knowledge with hands-on practice.

At the X-ray interpretation station, students were guided through a systematic approach to reading common orthopaedic images and applying anatomical knowledge in a clinical context. Nearby, the POP and CMR station introduced participants to the principles of fracture reduction and proper immobilisation techniques.

Meanwhile, the implant station drew plenty of attention, as participants explored commonly used orthopaedic tools and techniques, including drilling, plating, and screwing. For many, this was a rare opportunity to handle real instruments, an experience not typically available in routine classroom teaching.

However, it was the tendon suturing station that stood out as a highlight of the day. Using goat feet as realistic tissue models, participants practised tendon repair techniques under the close guidance of experienced orthopaedic surgeons. The station was both challenging and memorable, with many students describing it as one of the most exciting aspects of the workshop. It offered a level of realism that bridged the gap between simulation and real-life procedures.

“Practical workshops like this help students develop technical skills, hand-eye coordination, anatomical understanding, communication, teamwork, and procedural confidence. These sessions also allow students to ask questions in a more informal environment and learn directly from specialists who can share real clinical experiences and tips,” Pooja explained.

Despite being held during exam season, the workshop saw strong participation from a wide range of students, from Year 1 through Year 5, as well as several external attendees eager to gain orthopaedic exposure. Throughout the day, participants remained highly engaged, asking questions, repeating procedures, and interacting closely with facilitators. Many of them noted a boost in confidence, particularly in interpreting X-rays, handling orthopaedic equipment, and understanding fracture management principles.

Equally praised was the approachable and supportive nature of the facilitators, which created an encouraging learning environment. Students felt comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again.

A huge thank you to the dedicated facilitators and orthopaedic surgeons, Dr Ng Yam Hock, Orthopaedic Oncology Surgeon at Hospital Sultan Ismail and Dr Ashwini Sood, Associate Professor (Clinical) in Orthopaedics at Monash University Malaysia; as well as NUMed’s very own Dr Myat Myo Naing, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Orthopaedics and Dr Win Min Thein, Associate Professor (Clinical) in Orthopaedics for generously sharing their time, expertise, and mentorship. Appreciation also goes to LAEDI for their support and provision of discounted workshop materials, as well as the organising committee and laboratory technicians who ensured the event ran smoothly.

With its strong turnout and positive feedback, BONES & BEYOND has set a promising precedent. The team hopes it will serve as a stepping stone toward more hands-on surgical and orthopaedic teaching sessions in the future, continuing to inspire and equip the next generation of doctors with the skills and confidence they need beyond the lecture hall.