“I was familiar with Dr. del Piñal’s expertise and exceptional ability in microsurgery and wrist arthroscopy, areas that I too am intensely interested in”.

Michiro Yamamoto, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Hand Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.

Why did you choose the training program of Dr. Del Piñal?

It has been my privilege to encounter Dr. Francisco del Piñal at medical conferences the world over including FESSH, ASSH, WSRM and even at a meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Not only does he excel as a presenter, but also the work is invariably impressive and sophisticated and I see clear evidence of what high-level surgery he performs.

I was familiar with Dr. del Piñal’s expertise and exceptional ability in microsurgery and wrist arthroscopy, areas that I too am intensely interested in. Upon being awarded an international travelling fellowship by the Japanese Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, I decided to petition him to host me. I was fortunate to be able to pursue focused study at an institution anywhere in the world and I most wanted to engage with Dr. del Piñal at the Instituto de Cirugía Plástica y de la Mano Piñal y Asociados.

How would you describe your experience from a professional point of view ?

I had an outstanding opportunity to observe many cases of microsurgery and arthroscopy. It was surprising how swiftly the surgeries were completed. Most free flap cases were finished within 3–4 hours. Of course, in these operations I witnessed hand reconstruction of the highest level.

I also saw toe to thumb transplantation, vascularized medial condyle transfer to scaphoid nonunion and free functional abductor hallucis muscle transfer for reconstruction of injured thenar muscle.

Dr. del Piñal has assembled a finely functioning team with Guillermo de Piero Belmonte, M.D.; Eduardo Moraleda, M.D.; Jaime Sánchez Ruas, M.D. and Roberto Muñiz Morán M.D., Ph.D. In essence, they worked together as a family and were both spirited and energetic.

Santander, personal impressions of the city, places not to be missed, tips for new residents…

Santander is a very beautiful and elegant city. I stayed at the Hotel Santemar, located on the exquisite beach of El Sardinero. I enjoyed walking along the coast as well as drinking beer and wine and tasting fresh seafood in a restaurant nearby.

Dr. Jaime Sánchez Ruas kindly took me to a dance club on Saturday night after dinner with Dr. del Piñal’s family and medical team. It certainly was unique to experience how many people enjoy nightlife in Santander by going out dancing.

Anything else?

I truly appreciate the generous attention and hospitality afforded me. It facilitated the rich experience I hoped for. From their practice I learned: “Good surgery makes a good patient.” I also thank a colleague, Dr. Maciej Klich from Poland with whom I worked during the period, for his kindness and friendship.

I hope to see all members of this excellent medical group again.

With gratitude, on behalf of the Department of Hand Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, I eagerly encourage Dr. del Piñal and his associates to visit us in Japan when an opportunity arises in the future.