The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is responsible for the training of undergraduate medical students, basic and advanced surgical trainees. Using specialised surgical techniques, our surgeons have performed hundreds of thoracoscopic "keyhole" scoliosis surgeries, hip surface replacements, advanced cartilage repairs using autologous cartilage implantation or mesenchymal stem cells, and artificial spinal disc replacements. Our expertise has attracted regional and international fellows seeking sub-speciality training in their respective areas of interest to train with us. We have a long history of successfully training international surgeons in the areas of Spine, Joint Replacements, Paediatric Orthopaedics, Microsurgery, Trauma and Sports. Additionally, our well-subscribed musculoskeletal oncology fellowship for international fellows aims to improve care in the region.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has seven positions available for trained orthopaedic surgeons seeking further sub-speciality experience at NUH. Each year, one fellowship is available for each of the seven divisions, namely; Adult Reconstruction & Joint Replacement Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Spine Surgery, Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, Musculoskeletal Oncology and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery. Fellowships generally have a duration of six or 12 months. Fellowship requirements include involvement in team duties at the ward and outpatient clinic levels, as well as active participation in surgery. Surgical exposure includes assisting surgeons during surgery, and in some cases, performing surgery under supervision. As a university-based Orthopaedic Surgery Department, fellows are required to engage in clinical and basic science research. Most fellows publish at least one or two scientific articles based on the work conducted during their fellowships.
The aforementioned fellowship is designed for post-residency board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, with options for a minimum of six months, and a maximum of one year. Successful applicants will be expected to become members of the NUH sports team, and be involved in the day-to-day care of patients in the wards, outpatient clinics and operating theatres.
Fellows will receive hands-on training in the following areas:
Additionally, fellows are expected to complete at least one research paper to be presented at a national level and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Pre-requisites include proficiency in spoken and written English, reasonable computer skills and a passing grade on the IELTS exam. Applicants will be interviewed for consideration.
The mission of the NUHS Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programme is to provide our residents the knowledge and skills, both clinical and surgical, in all areas of orthopaedic surgery necessary to produce orthopaedic surgeons who are able to provide technically competent and compassionate care of the highest quality to all orthopaedic patients. Orthopaedic training in the NUHS Orthopaedic Residency Programme will span six years, accredited by Post Graduate Medical Education in Singapore (APMES). The first year is a national requirement where residents will rotate through anaesthesia, general surgery, and emergency medicine departments. In the next four years, residents will rotate through each orthopaedic sub-speciality in both junior and senior resident periods. In their final year, residents will do at least one six-month sub-specialty rotation of choice, honing their skills in preparation for the further training abroad.
For more information on Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programme, please click here.
