“Overall, it was a very valuable experience. I had the opportunity to be exposed to numerous complex clinical cases, and it was especially rewarding to follow patients throughout their treatment and observe their postoperative outcomes. I was also particularly interested in Dr. Piñal’s unique approach to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and complex upper-limb pathology.”

Why did you choose Dr. Piñal’s resident training program?

I chose Dr. Piñal’s resident training program because I wanted to gain international experience and greater exposure to plastic and reconstructive surgery. I was also particularly interested in Dr. Piñal’s unique approach to the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and complex upper-limb pathology. The combination of high-level surgery and a different way of thinking about these patients made the program especially attractive to me.

How would you describe your experience from a professional perspective?

Overall, it was a very valuable experience. I had the opportunity to be exposed to numerous complex clinical cases, and it was especially rewarding to follow patients throughout their treatment and observe their postoperative outcomes. The entire team was welcoming, kind, and always willing to help.

The fellowship also made me realize how much there is still to learn in hand surgery. It motivated me to read more, to be more critical when evaluating the scientific literature, and to better assess the quality and applicability of the available evidence. I learned that not all published papers carry the same weight and that careful critical appraisal is essential before translating research findings into clinical practice.

Madrid: your personal impressions of the city, must-visit places, and advice for future residents

I would recommend Flaca Bar for after-work drinks and Florentine Rooftop Bar for dinner after a day’s work.