QUASR CLINICAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

1. Program Overview

The QUASR Clinical Fellowship Program is a one-year to two-year post-residency subspecialty training designed to develop advanced clinical, surgical, and academic competencies in shoulder pathology. This program provides immersive exposure to complex shoulder conditions, focusing on both open and arthroscopic procedures, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care, research, and professional growth.

2. Learning Objectives

The program is structured around the core competencies required for advanced orthopaedic shoulder specialists. Upon completion, fellows will demonstrate proficiency in the following domains:

A. Medical Knowledge

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology.

  • Master clinical evaluation and differential diagnosis of shoulder conditions through advanced examination techniques and interpretation of imaging (MRI, CT, US, X-rays).

  • Understand surgical indications, treatment algorithms, and patient-specific decision-making.

B. Patient Care and Procedural Skills

  • Attain competence in:

    • Arthroscopic procedures: rotator cuff repair, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, subacromial decompression.

    • Open procedures: shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic and reverse), Latarjet, fracture fixation, tendon transfers.

  • Demonstrate safe intraoperative technique, sterile protocols, and complication management.

  • Deliver comprehensive preoperative assessment and postoperative rehabilitation planning.

C. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  • Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

  • Provide informed consent and manage expectations effectively.

  • Collaborate within the clinical and operative team environment, including with allied health professionals.

D. Professionalism

  • Adhere to ethical principles, respect patient confidentiality, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.

  • Maintain professional conduct in all clinical, academic, and teaching settings.

E. Systems-Based Practice

  • Understand health system processes related to surgical scheduling, billing, implant logistics, and outcome tracking.

  • Participate in quality improvement projects and institutional audits.

F. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

  • Engage in self-directed learning and integrate feedback from supervisors and patient outcomes.

  • Regularly review current literature and apply evidence-based practices to improve patient care.

3. Curriculum and Professional Development Components

A. Clinical Rotations

  • Rotations with high-volume shoulder surgeons and tertiary care exposure.

  • Experience in emergency, elective, trauma, and revision cases.

  • Multidisciplinary clinics involving rheumatology, sports medicine, and physiotherapy.

B. Surgical Training

  • Minimum procedural exposure requirements to be tracked via surgical logbook:

    • 100+ arthroscopic procedures

    • 50+ shoulder arthroplasties (anatomic and reverse)

    • 30+ trauma cases (clavicle, proximal humerus, scapula)

  • Participation in cadaver labs and simulation-based arthroscopy training.

C. Academic and Research Training

  • Completion of at least two research project suitable for peer-reviewed publication or national presentation.

  • Training in:

    • Research design and methodology

    • Biostatistics and critical appraisal

    • Scientific writing and peer review

  • Encouraged participation in institutional research committees or registries.

D. Teaching and Leadership Development

  • Fellows will engage in teaching activities including:

    • Resident and medical student instruction in clinics and OR

    • Presentation of weekly case reviews, journal clubs, and grand rounds

  • Development of leadership skills through mentorship roles and multidisciplinary team involvement.

E. Continuing Professional Education

  • Encouraged attendance at national/international conferences (AOANZOA ASM, ESSKA, ISAKOS, etc.).

  • Completion of CME-accredited shoulder surgery courses and workshops.

  • Access to online educational platforms, surgical databases, and webinars.

F. Evaluation and Feedback

  • Structured evaluations by faculty covering all core competencies.

  • 360-degree feedback from OR staff, peers, and patients where applicable.

  • Regular progress reviews with the Fellowship Supervisor to identify strengths, address gaps, and align with career goals.

4. Program Outcomes and Quality Assurance

  • Fellows will be assessed for:

    • Surgical competence (verified via logbook and direct observation)

    • Academic productivity (e.g., research submission, conference presentations)

    • Professionalism and communication (multi-source feedback)

    • Post-fellowship career placement in academic or high-volume clinical settings

  • Annual program review and benchmarking against national/international fellowship standards.

5. Application Requirements

  1. Current CV

  2. Two Referee Letters

  3. Expression of Intent for Fellowship

  • Candidates with specialised interest in only Shoulder and Elbow Surgery will be given priority over other applicants

  • Candidates with employment upon return to specialised Orthopaedic Units will be given priority

  • This is an equal opportunity fellowship with one Candidate chosen from the developed and one from the developing countries annually.

6. Contact Details Email or call +617 3208 5552