Clinical Fellowship in Paediatric Foot and Ankle / Lower Limb Deformity

I About The Programme
II Assessment and Evaluation
III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements
IV Other Information

I About The Programme

Name of Programme

Clinical Fellowship in Paediatric Foot and Ankle / Lower Limb Deformity

Overview

This one-year clinical fellowship is designed for orthopaedic surgeons with a strong interest in paediatric foot and ankle surgery and complex lower limb deformity correction. As the first structured programme of its kind in the region, it provides in-depth exposure to advanced techniques involving growth modulation, osteotomies, external fixation, and 3D-planned deformity correction in the paediatric population. 

The fellow will also be exposed to a broad range of general paediatric orthopaedic and trauma conditions, aimed at developing well-rounded clinical and operative proficiency. 

The programme includes academic, research, and innovation components, with opportunities to utilise 3D printing and digital surgical planning tools in deformity management.

Aim of Programme

The goal of this programme is to train fellows to competently recognise and manage common paediatric foot and ankle conditions and lower limb deformities, general paediatric orthopaedic conditions, and trauma, while equipping them with advanced surgical, research, and teaching skills.

Duration of Programme

6 - 12 months

Number of Training Places

Two trainees will be accepted into this program at one time.

Hyperlink

Surgery | KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Learning Outcomes

• Competence in the assessment and surgical management of paediatric foot deformities, such as clubfoot, flatfoot, and cavus foot.
• Exposure and training in adolescent foot and ankle surgery including minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy and sports reconstructive surgery.
• Proficiency in guided growth and growth modulation techniques.
• Familiarity with deformity correction using 3D planning software and patient-specific instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience with external fixation systems (e.g., Taylor Spatial Frame, hexapod fixators).
• Capability in managing general paediatric orthopaedic and trauma cases.
• Completion of a research project suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Content Areas

The programme covers the following areas

• Outpatient clinics: 3–4 half-day sessions weekly dedicated to paediatric foot, ankle, and lower limb deformities.
• Surgical training: 1–2 operative days per week focusing on lower limb deformity correction and foot and ankle reconstructive procedures. There will be opportunities for hands-on experience while under direct supervision.
• Trauma involvement: Participation in emergency on-call rota.
• Ward work: Daily inpatient care, consults, and post-operative management.
• Multidisciplinary engagement: Collaboration with physiotherapists, radiologists, paediatricians, and bioengineers.
• Research: At least one publishable project, with opportunities in 3D printing, AI, and conference presentations.

Training Methods

Method of Supervision:

• Structured case discussions and didactic lectures.
• Combined X-ray review and pre-operative planning meetings.
• Journal clubs and morbidity & mortality rounds.
• Simulation-based and cadaveric training sessions
• Teaching by specialists during foot and ankle and lower limb deformity specialty clinics and bedside rounds.
• Supervised hands-on operative experience.

Past and Present Fellows

NA

Team of Experts

A/Prof Mohammad Ashik

Dr Derrick Lam

II Assessment and Evaluation

Fellows will need to demonstrate their proficiency level based on the following competencies:

(A) Patient Care

• Comprehensive assessment, evidence-based management, emergency response, practice within abilities.

(B) Medical Knowledge

• Application of knowledge in context, up-to-date with literature, analytical and problem-solving skills.

(C) Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

• Ongoing self-learning, integration of quality improvement principles.

(D) Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare professiona

(E) Professionalism

• Responsibility, integrity, ethical behaviour, sensitivity to patient needs

(F) Systems-Based Practice

• Cost-effective care, patient safety, coordinated care

Assessment Approaches

• Surgical case logbook review.
• Direct observation (Mini-CEX).
• Journal critique.
• 360-degree evaluations.
• Supervisor assessments.
• Quarterly reviews

Evaluation Process

The general overall grading system evaluates the fellow’s performance upon completion of the fellowship programme. All fellows will be given a general overall grading status at the end of the fellowship programme based on the grading criteria requirements incorporating the six competencies-based knowledge, skills and performance that fellows must demonstrate throughout the programme.

Options for fellows who were graded with a (USP) for unsatisfactory performance

For those who were graded with a USP for unsatisfactory performance, either of these will be offered:

• Extension of the duration of the fellowship.
• Early termination from the programme.

III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements

Target Audience

Orthopaedic surgeons who:

• Have a strong interest in paediatric lower limb deformity correction and foot & ankle surgery.
• Are committed to academic contribution and subspecialty development in their local or regional centres.

Programme Entry Requirements

• Fulfil general requirements for Temporary Registration with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC).
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience post-internship.
• Proof of English language proficiency, where applicable.
• Preferably possess postgraduate qualifications in orthopaedic surgery..

IV Other Informat

Funding

Self-funded

Certification

A certificate of completion will be presented to each Fellow at the completion of the programme.