Surgery demands commitment, training, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. These demands are in common with some of those required to row across the Atlantic Ocean! This is why eoSurgical.com is offering support to five oarsmen who are planning to compete in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge this winter – a gruelling trans-ocean rowing race.
The founders of eoSurgical have their own connections with rowing and the coastal rowing club for which these five train. The team, Atlantic Body and Soul, must row across the Atlantic starting from La Gomera, just off the west coast of Africa, and finishing in Antigua. They will be racing ~40 other crews, rowing 24/7 in shifts. The task requires massive commitment simply to get to the start line:
- Acquiring a suitable ocean-going rowing boat
- Clocking up hours to familiarise themselves with life aboard and navigation
- Preparing for the physical challenge of rowing for two hours, sleeping for two hours – repeatedly - for the ~40 days of the race
- Fundraising for their chosen charities (Body & Soul and The Junction)
- Preparing for the psychological demand and isolation that come with crossing an Ocean unsupported.
Such a challenge mirrors, in some ways, the pathway of surgical training or, in microcosm, those required for a big surgical case. The assessment and work-up, a team approach to clarifying the best approach, ensuring all logistic elements are in place, preparing oneself to perform – and then performing the operation as best as possible.
The team is now firmly on track to get to the start in good shape – with racing starting in just under 100 days. We’re delighted to help them on their way and will keep tabs on them after the race begins.
Mark Hughes
Consultant Neurosurgeon and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Edinburgh
Director, eoSurgical