What’s your name?
Cristiana-Ioana Cordun.
How old are you?
42 years old.
Where do you come from?
Romania.
How long have you been an EHS member?
This marks my second year of membership.
Describe a day at work as a surgeon in your country:
I work in a private hospital and in my country that means that my typical day at work may differ in part from that of a colleague in a public hospital, as we care for different types of cases.
I start by checking on my patients from the day before and making arrangements for either their release from hospital or their subsequent treatment during their stay, after which it’s either a full OR day or a full consultations day.
What is your favourite AWR procedure/hernia surgery?
I am still at the beginning of my training to become a skilled abdominal wall surgeon who can take on a variety of complex cases (which is my current, very exciting goal), so, for now, my favorite procedure is TEP inguinal hernia repair.
Why is it your favourite procedure?
I see it as an elegant procedure, beautifully able to restore the integrity and functionality of the abdominal wall, without significantly disrupting the local anatomy.
Who inspired you to become a hernia enthusiast/surgeon?
I was inspired by a very good friend, a surgeon I admire not only for her hard-earned surgical skills, but also for her humanity – this is, I think we all agree, what makes for a complete doctor. And, more recently, I have found myself in awe of Mette Willaume, whom I had the immense pleasure of having as a mentor during an EHS course last year.
Please, give a small tip or trick to share for this or any other hernia procedure?
From a case management point of view, I would say optimization is key, never to be underestimated. And from a surgical point of view, especially in the beginning of taking on abdominal wall defects, I would say make sure to work on one’s emotional resilience.
Have you attended an EHS congress, meeting, or course?
Yes, I have and I look forward to continuing to do so, as my experiences so far have been inspiring.
Which made the biggest impression on you?
It was the Advanced OPEN Cadaveric Hernia Course I attended in Reims last autumn.
What made it great?
Apart from the high-quality information it provided, it was a pleasure to connect with the panel of experts, whose availability to discuss and teach made the experience truly valuable.
How can the EHS help you in the future?
By, of course, continuing to put forward the great quality, inspiring courses and congresses it does and by keeping the online library it provides as comprehensive as it is.
What is your dream for the future of hernia surgery?
I am excited about learning and successfully adding robotic abdominal wall surgery to my practice. And, in an equally important manner, I look forward to continuing to grow the beautiful relationships I feel define being a member of the EHS.