Dear Members of EPOS,

I hereby wish to formally express my profound appreciation for the exceptional educational opportunity afforded to me at the Paediatric Orthopaedic Department  of Sophia children’s hospital in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, during the period 08/09/2025-12/09/2025.

In my application I asked for an observership focused on open reduction in DDH. I was offered a training program that was distinguished by its high scientific value and organizational excellence, owing primarily to the remarkable efforts of Dr. Dagmar Kempink, Director of the clinic and scientific supervisor of my observership. Through his outstanding leadership and meticulous planning, a series of seven highly complex and exceedingly rare cases were presented and discussed within the limited timeframe of one week, an achievement that testifies to his exceptional commitment to advancing surgical education.

The cases included:

• 6 months old girl; closed reduction
• 2 years 4 months old girl; open reduction and Salter osteotomy
• 3 years old boy; open reduction and Salter osteotomy
• 11 years old boy; VDRO and Dega osteotomy
• 13 years old girl; Imhauser osteotomy
• 1 year 7 months old girl; Salter osteotomy
• 3 years 8 months old girl; Pemberton osteotomy

This intensive program provided an unparalleled opportunity not only to observe demanding surgical procedures of substantial clinical relevance, but also to engage in high-level scientific dialogue with Dr. Dagmar Kempink and the members of his distinguished team. The exchange of expertise, particularly in relation to challenging cases from my own clinical practice, offered invaluable insights and guidance regarding surgical strategies and decision-making.

The professionalism, academic rigor, and educational vision demonstrated by Dr. Dagmar Kempink set a standard of excellence in surgical training. His ability to integrate clinical complexity with didactic clarity significantly enhanced the educational value of this experience, rendering it both intellectually rigorous and practically applicable.

I remain deeply indebted to Dr. Dagmar Kempink for his exceptional contribution to my professional development, and I am confident that the knowledge and perspectives gained during this observership will continue to inform and enrich my future surgical practice.

Respectfully,

Ioannis Orfanos, MD, MSc, PhD
Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon
Nicosia General Hospital, Cyprus

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If you are interested in participating in a medical observership in paediatric orthopaedics, you can find a list of institutions offering observerships on our observership page.

On International Women’s Day, EPOS proudly celebrates the talented and dedicated women of EPOS and all women in paediatric orthopaedics. To mark the occasion, we are sharing a special video featuring some of our members as they share why being part of EPOS is so valuable to them.

We are incredibly proud of the women who contribute to our field, driving progress and excellence in paediatric orthopaedics. EPOS remains committed to supporting and growing our community of women professionals.

🎥 Watch the video here: Women of EPOS

Join us in celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in paediatric orthopaedics today and every day!