Queensland a special experience

The flight from Cairns to Brisbane is simple, picking up the car was simple and driving across town to arrive at the Blacks was uincomplicated, we arrived on the dot of four, like a Swiss train.

Professionally my time in Brisbane was relaxed but useful. I met some of the leaders in surgical education, not least my host who is the Chairman of ENT in Australia at present. I also spent a couple of half days with Rob Hodge, he and I had been senior registrars at Mary's together in 1981-3. I met with Bill Coman who has mentored many of our Oxford trainees over the years. In fact Rob H and Bill C have been responsible for the advanced training of over twenty UK consultants, we are in their debt. On the whole they have been very successful, and it is interesting that the only concerns they have had are where shared those concerns too. The head and neck clinics were well structured and well, but differently, chaired. The conclusions on the complex and challenging problems were humane, the decisions on the straightforward in line with good evidence based practice. many years ago whn I was a fellow in San Francisco, I saw similar clinics, there is much to be gained for the patient in being considered by many, amongst many.

On a personal note we had a great time. Rob B and Ann were wonderful hosts, generous and thoughtful. They put us in their "shed", an air conditioned studio, with a shower room and kitchenette, giving on to the swimming pool. A tough life for the travellers! Though we were given our own space we were not banished and ate with them and their family, ate with friends (the Hodges and Perrys, a sample of Mary's and Royal Free senior registrars from the early 80's) and ate out. Eating out with those who know, does mean you get excellent food.

We also looked at and around Brisbane. even though we had a small and very good car, the best way to see Brisbane is by public transport, a four dollar plus ticket lasts the whole day and takes you everywhere, on the train, on the buses (superb new bus lanes) and on the river. So we saw what the tourist should see, the historic buildings (not many), the botanic gardens (two), the shops (plenty), the river, the galleries and the city centre beach. We ventured out to Surfers Paradise and Tambourine mountain.

There has been much to learn, professionally and personally. But as this trip is teaching us learning is not just knowing, it is doing.