This year, we’re marking a major milestone: 80 years of history and 50 years of providing medical services within the structure that today we proudly call ‘Gijos Klinikos’. While our name may be young, the depth of our experience is anything but.

And yet, among these long-standing traditions, we’re also celebrating something beautifully fresh — the one-year work anniversary of Aurimas Širka, MD, PhD, an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon whose dedication to excellence made him stand out long before he joined our team.

Truth be told, we had our eye on him for a while.

Already well-established in the field, both in Lithuania and abroad, Dr Širka was known not just for his skill, but for the precision, discipline, and relentless pursuit of surgical perfection that he brings to every case. When the opportunity came to welcome him into the Gijos Klinikos family, we didn’t hesitate — and we’ve been proud to call him one of our own ever since.

To mark this first milestone, we sat down for a conversation about his path to orthopaedics, the lessons of working with international patients, and what this whirlwind of a year has meant to him.

Before coming to Gijos Klinikos, you’d already built quite a career — how did that path unfold, and what have been the highlights so far?

Like most doctors, my journey began with long years of study — six years of integrated medical training to qualify as a physician, followed by five years of residency in orthopaedics and traumatology. I was later awarded a PhD in medical sciences, which I defended in Kaunas in 2021.

Since 2022, I’ve been working as an instructor for Johnson & Johnson (USA), training surgeons in both primary and revision hip and knee joint replacement procedures. In 2023, I also began working with MicroPort Orthopedics (USA), specifically on the Medial-Pivot knee replacement technique.

These roles have allowed me to conduct live training surgeries and participate in conferences throughout Latvia, Estonia, and Poland. Sharing knowledge in this way has been incredibly rewarding and constantly pushes me to improve my technique.

What made you choose to become an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in the first place?

That decision came after a long process of reflection — I didn’t grow up dreaming of orthopaedics, but life guided me here in its own way.

During medical school, I considered vascular surgery and neurosurgery. I spent two years assisting in vascular procedures, even during summer holidays and late nights. I was deeply invested. But just before residency, I found out there was only one spot available — and it had already been promised to someone else. I was so disheartened that I didn’t even attend the interview. Ironically, it turned out they had opened a second place at the last minute…

As for neurosurgery — assisting in a case where a young patient died on the operating table after a nine-hour surgery had a lasting impact on me. I’ll never forget the look on the surgeon’s face, the team’s silence, or the moment we had to speak to the patient’s family. I realised that some kinds of heroism come with too heavy a cost — and I didn’t want to burn out before truly beginning.

Orthopaedics, which at first felt like a backup option, quickly became something much more. I was already involved in research and had hands-on experience. I ended up being accepted into the residency program as the top candidate. And most importantly — I’ve never looked back. It fits me, and I feel at home in this field.

What were your impressions of Gijos Klinikos before joining the team — and how has your perspective changed over the past year?

Before joining Gijos Klinikos, I saw it as a strong competitor while working at another private clinic. To be honest, I admired the clinic’s growth and potential — even felt a touch of envy at times.

When I received the offer to join the team, I took time to consider all aspects carefully. But now, looking back after a year, I can confidently say it was the right decision.

The rising number of patients, the work of the marketing team, the employer’s attitude towards staff, and the highly professional surgical team — all of it creates an environment that motivates you to keep moving forward.

How does working at Gijos Klinikos differ from your previous workplaces? Is the nature of the work similar?

In terms of the core surgical work — yes, it’s quite similar. Whether in a private or public hospital, joint replacement remains more or less the same.

What does differ is the rhythm and dynamics when working with international patients. Since their time in Lithuania is limited, there’s a clear focus on helping them return to an active daily life as efficiently and safely as possible.

I genuinely enjoy meeting people from different countries and cultures. Building trust, creating a good connection — and sometimes even staying in touch after their recovery — adds something special to the whole experience.

These days, anterior hip replacement surgery seems to be a popular trend. Why do you prefer the posterior approach? How would you compare the two?

That’s a great question, and one I get quite often. According to current medical literature, after the first few months of recovery, there’s no statistically significant difference in functional outcomes between anterior and posterior approaches.

The anterior method has gained popularity, but it also comes with a higher risk of complications, especially in less experienced hands. Since many of our patients travel from abroad and are here only for a short period, I aim to minimise any additional risks.

Personally, I believe all approaches can be effective — as long as the surgeon is confident, consistent, and experienced with the technique. For me, the posterior approach is the one I use daily and have refined over time to ensure excellent outcomes.

What has working with medical tourism patients taught you — and how has it impacted your perspective?

I had already gained some experience with medical tourism before joining Gijos Klinikos, but the scale here is definitely greater.

What stands out the most is how rewarding it feels to help people not only recover physically, but also regain a sense of confidence and independence — all within a short timeframe.

Seeing the number of international patients grow each month is also a strong motivator. It shows that we’re doing something right, and that the quality of care we provide is being recognised beyond Lithuania. That’s something I’m proud to be a part of.

What brings you the most joy in your work?

Without a doubt — hearing back from patients a few months after surgery. When they tell me they’re hiking again, playing sports, or simply walking without pain for the first time in years — that’s incredibly fulfilling.

Those messages, those small victories — they remind me why I chose this profession.

Of course, I’m also very grateful for the working environment we have at Gijos Klinikos. When the employer provides the right conditions, and the team works like clockwork in the OR, it’s much easier to achieve great results.

Interested in treatment with Dr Aurimas Širka?

Dr Širka specialises in:

• Hip replacement surgery
• Knee replacement surgery

He consults and operates at Gijos Klinikos in Kaunas, Lithuania — primarily treating international patients who seek top-quality care and smooth recovery pathways.

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