Professor Koshima gave us a lesson not only on lymphedema surgery but also on humility and hard work. While being one of the world’s most renown microsurgeons Professor Koshima is one of the most humble people I have ever met. His office door has just a piece of paper with his name on it instead of posh golden plate and the room was nothing more than work-dedicated space. The rule for trainees in his department is they all should be willing to become the best microsurgeons in the world. When we had dinner at 9pm they all ordered a large cup of coffee and I knew what it was about as I was doing the same when I was a trainee. Are you going to the lab to start you microsurgical training? – they said. ‘We go every night’. It felt familiar, it is what i did back then. The difference was in my department it was only me staying over night for additional lab training and I was considered rather odd.
Their skills are amazing, even the junior ones are so well trained. They are connecting the smallest vessels without any effort and so fast. The outcome of lymphedema treatment in their hands is amazing and I came back inspired and with even more confidence that I am doing the right thing offering lymphedema patients hope with surgical treatment.