Clinical Fellowship in Paediatric Sports, Arthroscopy and Joint Preservation

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 Sports, Arthroscopy and Joint Preservation

Overview

This clinical fellowship is designed for orthopaedic surgeons with a strong interest in paediatric sports injuries, arthroscopy, and joint preservation. It is the only structured programme of its kind in Southeast Asia, offering focused training in advanced arthroscopic techniques and joint preservation strategies in the paediatric and adolescent population.

In addition to subspecialty training, the fellow will gain broad exposure to general paediatric orthopaedic conditions, limb deformities, and trauma, with the aim of developing well-rounded clinical acumen.

The programme also includes opportunities in academic, research, and innovation, such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence applications in surgical practice.

Aim of Programme

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

Duration of Programme

6 to 12 months

Number of Training Places

2 Fellows at any one time

Learning Outcomes

• Competence in assessment and surgical management of paediatric sports-related injuries.
• Proficiency in point-of-care ultrasound for musculoskeletal injuries.
• Mastery of arthroscopic procedures (ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, cartilage repair, fracture management, nanoscope use).
• Familiarity with hip and knee joint preservation techniques and rehabilitation protocols.
• Competence in managing general paediatric orthopaedic, deformity, and trauma cases.
• Completion of a research project suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Content Areas

• Outpatient clinics: 3–4 half-day sessions weekly.
• Surgical training: 1–2 operative days per week focusing on arthroscopy and joint preservation.
• Trauma involvement: Participation in emergency on-call rota.
• Ward work: 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

• Structured case discussions and didactic lectures.
• Combined X-ray review meetings.
• Regular journal clubs and M&M rounds.
• Simulation-based and cadaveric courses.
• Hands-on supervised surgical training.

Team of Experts

II Assessment and Evaluation

Aims of Assessment

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

(A) Patient Care

• Comprehensive assessment, evidence-based management, emergency respons, 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 professionals.

(E) Professionalism

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

(F) Systems-Based Practice

• Cost-effective care, patient safety, coordinated care

Assessment Approaches

Assessment Tools

• 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

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

III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements

Target Audience

Orthopaedic surgeons with a strong interest in paediatric sports injuries, arthroscopy, and joint preservation. Fellows should have:

• At least 3 years of clinical experience post-internship.
• Preferably postgraduate qualifications.
• Eligibility for SMC Temporary Registration.
• English language proficiency where required.
• Sponsorship from home institution/authority.
• Commitment to return to home country to share acquired expertise

Pre-requisite/Eligibility Requirement(s)

Applicants must meet the following:

• General requirements for Temporary Registration by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC).
• At least 3 years of clinical experience post-internship.
• Proof of English language proficiency if required.
• Preferably with postgraduate qualifications.

IV Other Information

Course Fees

Course fee will be determined upon application.

Funding

Self-funded or sponsored by their parent country or institution.

Certification

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