The Lister Hand Fellowship Programme represents a prestigious opportunity for senior Plastic Surgical and Orthopaedic trainees seeking to advance their expertise in Hand and Wrist Surgery. This 12-month fixed-term Anglo-Dutch Hand Fellow position is the result of a successful collaboration between the Lister Hand Unit at East and North Herts NHS Trust and the Hand Unit of the University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Mr. Patrick Goon is a Consultant Hand Surgeon at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, specialising in complex reconstructive hand surgery. With extensive experience in both trauma and elective hand surgery, Mr. Goon leads the Lister Hand Fellowship Programme with a commitment to excellence and innovation in surgical training. He is a GMC recognised Educational Supervisor, as well as a British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) Diploma Supervisor.
Mr. Goon’s practice encompasses the full spectrum of hand and wrist surgery, including:
The Lister Hand Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain experience in a busy Hand Service that provides comprehensive care across all aspects of hand and wrist surgery. Fellows work closely with Consultant Hand Surgeons and are involved in both elective and emergency procedures.
The Lister Hand Fellowship represents a new approach to subspecialty training in hand surgery. By combining the expertise of both UK and Dutch hand surgery practices, fellows benefit from diverse surgical perspectives and techniques. This international collaboration enhances the educational experience and broadens the skill set of participating surgeons.
Sam Coulson
Consultant Plastic and Hand Surgeon
The Anglo-Dutch Fellowship offered me an intense ‘cutting’ experience with high volumes of both elective and trauma cases, not just an observational role. While I mainly stayed at the Lister Hand Unit due to personal circumstances, the program’s flexibility to visit UMC Utrecht is a major advantage. My weekly schedule included multiple clinics and theater sessions with adjustable supervision based on my experience level. I gained extensive hands-on experience with diverse procedures – from CMCJ arthritis management and silastic arthroplasties to arthroscopic wrist techniques and complex trauma fixations. Beyond just case numbers, I learned invaluable tips and innovative approaches from consultants whose practices continuously evolved. The monthly MDTs with radiologists, teaching opportunities, and cadaveric courses enhanced my learning tremendously. Though coordinating trauma might seem like extra work, it prepared me well for consultant-level leadership. Patrick Goon and Shehab Jabir were instrumental mentors in a supportive, welcoming department. I can’t recommend this fellowship highly enough for surgeons seeking comprehensive preparation for consultant practice.
Nicholas Segaren
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
One of the best hand surgeons I have had the pleasure to know. Excellent technical ability, cares profoundly for his patients and will go the extra mile for them at all costs. With regards to teaching and training he is one of the best trainers I have had. Patrick is patient and kind and will always help out if needed. I have personally sent a family member to him and he has resolved their ailment. I would unreservedly let him operate on my closest friends and family and would wholeheartedly recommend him as a surgeon to anyone
Hyder Ridha
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
An expert hand and wrist surgeon whose dedication to patients and teaching the next generation of surgeons, is second to none. He is an excellent colleague and it has been a privilege to work alongside him for the past decade. A true asset to the department and the trust.
Efrat Daglan
Orthopedic Surgeon Hand and wrist fellown
11 Reasons why you should apply to the Lister hand fellowship
A True Mentorship Experience
The Lister Fellowship Program, above all else, is a true act of mentorship. As a fellow, I genuinely felt looked after and supported throughout. From day one, I was given a consistent, structured schedule that included both clinics and theatre sessions.
At the beginning, clinics were attended alongside the consultant, and in theatre, the consultant was always present to guide me. Initially, we took time to get to know each other, discussing cases before and after surgery and reviewing different surgical techniques, And given me constructive criticism on how to improve. As our relationship developed and they became familiar with my skills, I was granted increasing independence in theatre — always with the consultant present in the background, ready to assist if needed.
Extra Numbers, Not Filling Gaps
One of the greatest advantages of this fellowship is that it operates outside the core rota. The consultants typically already have registrars assigned to their service, and I functioned as an additional pair of hands. This meant I was never pulled into service provision, skin clinics, or used to fill gaps in the rota. Not even once.
I had a fixed weekly schedule — usually two clinics per week, with the remainder dedicated to theatre for trauma or elective cases. This level of predictability was one of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship. I always knew my timetable in advance, which allowed me to plan annual leave and organize my personal life accordingly. Additionally, I was free from the usual stress of weekly rota changes — which made for a much more enjoyable and focused learning experience.
Hands-on Experience
The consultants at the Lister Hospital believe that the purpose of the fellowship is to prepare you to become a “Day 1 Consultant” by the end. This means that by the conclusion of the fellowship, you should be able to independently perform the “bread and butter” procedures of hand surgery.
After the initial orientation phase, the procedures quickly transitioned to my side. I found myself independently performing CMC arthroplasty with the consultant present in the room but unscrubbed — more than six times — something almost unheard of in this field.
Simple procedures like carpal tunnel releases and trigger finger surgeries, and even more complex ones like Dupuytren’s contracture surgeries, were performed independently very early on.
Supervision was always present to ensure patient safety and provide guidance, but I was given the responsibility, which made the surgeries truly feel like my own.
By the end of the fellowship, I can confidently say I am prepared — and more importantly, able — to perform most hand surgeries independently.
Diversity
The diversity of the unit is outstanding and, again, almost unheard of for a hand fellowship. From CMC arthroplasties and trapeziectomies to complex trauma and microsurgery, the unit boasts an impressive volume and range of cases.
Fully Equipped Skills Lab
The skills lab is passcode-protected and accessible 24/7. It includes drills, plastic bones for practice, a variety of screws, and all types of sutures. Best of all, there are two microscopes with microsurgical sets—making micro practice easier than ever. Dedicated time is also allocated in the rota specifically for surgical skills practice.
Trauma
There are several trauma lists every week, including a virtual trauma clinic, guaranteeing an interesting caseload of complex fractures and tendon reconstructions at all levels.
Towards the end of the fellowship, I was managing the trauma lists independently, even when the consultant was away — a true testament to the high level of trust and independence fostered by the unit.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Ever wondered how it feels to work with an “Epen”? To use two different types of implants for arthroplasty? To experience every kind of screw imaginable. Curious about performing ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel releases or trigger finger surgeries? All of these opportunities are available here.
Mr. Goon is a firm believer in innovation and technology, and the hand unit embraces new, cutting-edge techniques.
The unit supported my development by sending me to courses, including cadaveric labs, a trip to Brussels, to learn new techniques thoroughly before performing them on patients.
Teaching
There are monthly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings focused on radiology and weekly MDT meetings covering metalwork and surgical education for registrars.
I had the privilege of serving as academic staff at the annual fracture course and was honored to teach cadaveric sessions at the University of East Anglia’s National Teaching Day.
Opportunities for audit and research are abundant, and the unit had two papers accepted at this year’s FESSH conference.
Location
Just 20 minutes by train from central London, reaching the hospital couldn’t be easier.
Stevenage is a bike-friendly town, with a dedicated bike path from the train station to the hospital — no need to cross any roads.
Staff and Team
Saving the best for last: the people.
The consultants, registrars, theatre staff, nursing teams, and admin staff all work together in true harmony, like a well-oiled machine.
Everyone is highly skilled, supportive, and friendly.
On-Call Duties
There are no daily on-calls! Need I say more?
There is only a once-every-four-weeks weekend trauma list, from 8 a.m. until the list is completed (usually around 5 p.m.). It is purely operative work with the consultant — no answering phones or attending A&E.
