Arriving in a different country, I was uncertain of what to expect, but from the moment I arrived in Posadas, my host and the university colleagues treated me like a family member.

I quickly became involved in the daily running of a busy private clinical practice and a university environment, with exposure to academic and journal discussions weekly. Clinical activities included observing pre-operative consultations, a busy theatre schedule, and post-operative follow-ups. Three to four theatre lists per week allowed me to observe, assist, and sometimes perform advanced techniques under the supervision of Dr. Abrile who has a spectacular insight into our discipline. My theoretical understanding and technical skills in breast, body contouring, facial and gender re-assignment surgeries have exponentially increased.

Apart from the academic and surgical gains, immersing myself in a different country and culture was an experience unlike that of being a tourist. Despite a very busy clinical program I have left Argentina having made incredible memories and lifelong friends.

I cannot overstate the impact this experience has had on my understanding of plastic surgery, how I intend to manage my patients in the future and the pearls of running a successful practice.

Tertius Potgieter

ISAPS Fellow 2024 - Posadas, Argentina