Fellow of the Month: Dara Sok

The General Anaesthesia fellow shares insights about his WFSA-BARTC fellowship in Thailand

What is your name, fellowship title and which country are you pursuing your fellowship in?

My name is Dara Sok. Back home in Cambodia, I’m an anesthesiologist at Preah Ket Mealea Hospital (Military Hospital 179), where I provide preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care to a diverse population of patients.

Currently I’m pursuing a one-year fellowship in General Anesthesia at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, supported by WFSA-BARTC.

[The BARTC (Bangkok Anesthesia Regional Training Center) programme is a community of anaesthesiologists across Asian countries that work together to improve anaesthesia education and practice. A BARTC fellow works in 3 university hospitals around Bangkok – Siriraj Hospital, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital]

Why were you interested in anaesthesia as a career? 

As an anesthesiologist, you’re exposed to almost all clinical specialties and areas in the hospital setting. It’s a complex job that incorporates specific practical and theoretical expertise in the management of critically ill patients.

I like the challenge – it requires a high level of concentration and flexible skills in both theoretical and practical fields.

Why did you want to pursue a fellowship with the WFSA?

During my residency training in Cambodia, my seniors were alumni of the BARTC programme! They shared their insights and experiences with me, and I was inspired by how they treated patients with kindness. 

There is still a low number of qualified anaesthesiologists in my hospital, and I want to be a part of the development of anaesthesia practice in my country. Of course, learning is essential to share knowledge and teach the new generation.

What is the highlight of your working day? 

Every morning from 7:30 to 8:00 from Monday to Friday, I join a conference with Thai residents. During this time, we have morning lectures, case discussions, the anaesthesia journal club and a mortality and morbidity conference.

Then, from 8:00 to 16:00, I attend in the operating room, working with my colleagues to deliver anaesthesia procedures. Between 16:00 to 18:00 we see the patient scheduled for the surgery on the following day and discuss the upcoming case with our instructor.

What are the highlights during your fellowship so far? 

During my fellowship, I’ve had great opportunities to study many aspects of anaesthesia, and I’ve learnt many new techniques. I’ve had instructions from Thai anesthesiologists from various hospitals all over Thailand, providing new insights and guidance.

A highlight was the chance to join RCAT “Royal College of Anaesthesiologists of Thailand” annual congress and TASP “Thai Association for the Study of Pain” congress for the management of pain.

What is a standout case during your fellowship?

A case that sticks in my mind was a liver transplant surgery performed on a young male adult who was diagnosed with acute liver failure. Liver transplantation is a complex procedure, both for anaesthesia and the surgery itself.

The operation is divided into three main phases: an-hepatic, reperfusion and post-reperfusion, with each phase presenting unique anaesthetic challenges. This case was a great learning experience, and I learned how to effectively prepare for managing a complex situation in major surgery, and how to communicate efficiently with the team.

Why were you drawn to Thailand?

I was drawn to a fellowship in Thailand because of the cultural and food are similar to Cambodia, so I adapted easily. Thailand has a good healthcare system with high standards and ethical practices.

My favourite things about living in Thailand is that Thai people are friendly and kind, and there are many places to visit. The food is also very delicious, especially the holy basil fried rice “Khao Pad Kra Pao”.

What transferable skills have you learned that could be applied back home? 

There are many positive transferrable skills and approaches I can take back to Cambodia, including critical thinking, problem solving, case discussions and effective planning.

I learned how to plan to to provide appropriated anaesthetic, alongside planning for appropriate pain management during operative and post-operative care. I’m looking forward to bringing these skills back to my home country, to integrate them into my daily practice.

The WFSA offers its Fellowships to anaesthesiologists from low and middle-income countries to increase their skillset and become leaders for anaesthesia once they return to their home countries. Upcoming WFSA fellowships and how to apply.

Cover photo: Simulation in Anaesthesia at SiMSET at Siriraj Hospital