The Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Society

The Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Society was founded in July 2018, with the aim of promoting and increasing exposure to orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine. We hope to give students an idea of what a career in either specialities will involve, especially since exposure is very limited until 3rd and 4th year in medical school. As such this society allows students to gain a better understanding and prepare early with regards to these great specialities.

Our lead clinician, Mr Santosh Baliga, is a Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal surgeon in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He is our direct contact with the hospital, which allows us to interact and liaise with the staff there.

"I was appointed as a Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedics at NHS Grampian in January 2017. My specialist interests are spinal surgery and adult trauma. I direct my elective practice in managing adult cervical and lumbar degenerative conditions.

Having graduated from the University of Aberdeen Medical School, I have completed Basic and Higher Surgical training in the North of Scotland. I went on to undertake fellowship training in Major Trauma and Spine Surgery at University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM), Stoke-on-Trent. After this I worked at the world renowned Centre for Spinal Studies and Surgery, QMC Nottingham, firstly as senior National Spine Fellow then as an Associate Consultant.

My research interests are in degenerative lumbar convictions and adult trauma. I am heavy involved in undergraduate in post as an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen."