In the Bulgarian Orthopaedic and Traumatology Association, there are approximately 400 orthopaedic surgeons. At least 350 of them are actively working, but some are retired and some are not native to Bulgaria. This is problematic because the population is 7.4 million people.
Dr David Clements, of the Scoliosis Research Society (left), scrubbing in with Dr Vasko Jablonski from Tokuda Hospital in Sofia Bulgaria, using Medtronic equipment donated through Orthopaedic Link for scoliosis surgeries.
In the past, there was only one center for treating scoliosis in children. It was Boicho Boichev in Gorna Banya, Sofia and the surgeons there were working with very old-fashioned techniques. Clearly, a change was needed, but who would be willing to learn new techniques and try something different?
When the Scoliosis Research Society approached Tokuda Hospital, and me we were thrilled to be offered such a great opportunity. We didn’t know anything about spinal surgery and scoliosis, and at that time it was hard to imagine ever being able to work in this field independently, but here we are. We’ve become a main center for scoliosis surgery in Bulgaria and we’re inspiring other hospitals to follow our lead and update their own knowledge and techniques.
Dr Vasko Jablonski (left) discussing a scoliosis surgery (xrays in background) with Dr Steven Mardjetko of the Scoliosis Research Society.
The impact the Scoliosis Research Society has been tremendous and serves as an example of how positive change can happen on a national level and positively influence the lives of children with scoliosis. All we have to do is be willing to accept opportunities for growth when they are offered, keep learning and continue to inspire others to do the same.
One Success Can Start a Chain Reaction
In the Bulgarian Orthopaedic and Traumatology Association, there are approximately 400 orthopaedic surgeons. At least 350 of them are actively working, but some are retired and some are not native to Bulgaria. This is problematic because the population is 7.4 million people.
Dr David Clements, of the Scoliosis Research Society (left), scrubbing in with Dr Vasko Jablonski from Tokuda Hospital in Sofia Bulgaria, using Medtronic equipment donated through Orthopaedic Link for scoliosis surgeries.
In the past, there was only one center for treating scoliosis in children. It was Boicho Boichev in Gorna Banya, Sofia and the surgeons there were working with very old-fashioned techniques. Clearly, a change was needed, but who would be willing to learn new techniques and try something different?
When the Scoliosis Research Society approached Tokuda Hospital, and me we were thrilled to be offered such a great opportunity. We didn’t know anything about spinal surgery and scoliosis, and at that time it was hard to imagine ever being able to work in this field independently, but here we are. We’ve become a main center for scoliosis surgery in Bulgaria and we’re inspiring other hospitals to follow our lead and update their own knowledge and techniques.
Dr Vasko Jablonski (left) discussing a scoliosis surgery (xrays in background) with Dr Steven Mardjetko of the Scoliosis Research Society.
The impact the Scoliosis Research Society has been tremendous and serves as an example of how positive change can happen on a national level and positively influence the lives of children with scoliosis. All we have to do is be willing to accept opportunities for growth when they are offered, keep learning and continue to inspire others to do the same.
Vasil Yablanski, Orthopaedic Surgeon
Tokuda Hospital, Bulgaria