In the Heart of Cambridge

My Defining Experience at Royal Papworth

When I got the news that I’d been accepted into the Exchange Programme, I was thrilled and slightly terrified. It was the end of my residency, and I found myself feeling confident but also a bit lost. I wasn’t sure about the subspecialty I’d choose. My heart was always with the “heart,” but I hadn’t gained enough experience to confidently say that cardiac anaesthesia was my future.

Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, known for its leading role in complex cardiothoracic procedures, would surely be an intense learning experience. And, well, I was right! The skills, people, and challenges made this an eye-opening experience. In addition, the beautiful city of Cambridge is a place I’ve had an exchange I’ll remember for a lifetime.

My arrival in Cambridge felt like stepping into a postcard. The city’s historic colleges and peaceful river walks set an art scene. It took me a moment to realise that this was the city I would call home for a while.

Inside Royal Papworth, I was welcomed by Dr. Thomas, my host, who made even the most complex procedures look as easy as ordering tea. His skill—and that of every consultant—in transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was truly impressive. Every time a consultant took the TOE probe, I was reminded of how much more I had to learn—but they made it accessible.

Every day, I witnessed cases that were challenging and, to be honest, intimidating. Watching the team handle pulmonary thromboendarterectomy cases was incredible. These weren’t just surgeries but intricate dances between physiology and technology, often balanced on a fine line between life and death. The use of total hypothermic circulatory arrest is a technique that demands intense focus and precision. The consultants managed each case in that way, and every time I thought, “Alright, I’m getting the hang of this,” they’d casually throw in some new, advanced technique just to keep things interesting.

If there’s one thing I took away from this experience, it’s the value of checklists. Royal Papworth’s commitment to patient safety was inspiring. They say a good anaesthetist has an answer for everything, but at Royal Papworth, they have a checklist for everything—and I mean everything. Watching the team follow these protocols before, during, and after each procedure was like seeing a carefully orchestrated performance.

Apart from the technical skills, the people truly made my time at Royal Papworth special. The team welcomed me with warmth and kindness. Whether it was a consultant explaining a new technique or a fellow sharing their favourite “cardiac catchphrase,” I always felt included and supported. During a tough case, I’ll never forget one of my fellow trainees’ words: “I’m glad you’re here. I feel safer.” I was actually part of the team! These relationships made the exchange feel like more than just a professional experience; it was a genuine learning community.

This exchange was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. The skills, the knowledge, and the friendships I gained will stay with me as I continue to grow in my field. In the end, I knew where my heart belonged: cardiothoracic anaesthesia. I recommend the ESAIC Trainee Exchange Programme to anyone looking to expand their horizons and find themselves.

Royal Papworth is an incredible choice if you’re an anaesthetist interested in cardiothoracic anaesthesia. My advice? Come ready to learn, laugh, and occasionally wonder how you ended up so far out of your comfort zone—and get used to being asked if you’re “happy.” I certainly was.

Thank you, ESAIC, for this incredible opportunity, and thank you, Royal Papworth, for all your heart.

A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Chloros for his mentorship, patience, and expertise; his guidance made all the difference in my experience.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” -Isaac Newton.

Author

•  Dr. Beyza Büyükgebiz Yeşil, 5th Year Trainee, MD. Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye