Fellowship Program
NSW Spine Specialists
Why We Offer This Fellowship
At NSW Spine Specialists, we believe that advancing spine surgery requires more than individual expertise - it requires sharing knowledge, refining techniques, and training the next generation of leaders.
Our fellowship program was created to provide surgeons with intensive exposure to both common and complex spinal conditions, ensuring they gain the clinical judgment, operative skill, and academic insight needed to deliver world-class patient care. By mentoring fellows from Australia and abroad, we help grow a global community of highly skilled spine surgeons who carry forward our commitment to excellence, innovation, and better outcomes for patients everywhere.
What is the Fellowship?
The NSW Spine Specialists Fellowship is an advanced clinical-surgical and academic training opportunity designed for fully qualified orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons seeking to subspecialise in spinal surgery.
Durations: Available in 6-month, 12-month, or 24-month placements.
Settings: Fellows rotate through leading Sydney hospitals---Norwest Private, Macquarie University Hospital, North Shore Private, Westmead Private and Children's Hospital at Westmead.
Clinical Exposure: Fellows assist and perform hands-on cases across a range of spinal procedures:
- Degenerative spine conditions
- Adult and Paediatric spine deformities
- Endoscopic spine surgery
- Lateral/Aterior to Psoas (ATP) surgery
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Anterior Cervical Discectomy & fusions (ACDF) surgery
- Scoliosis
Learning Objectives
By the end of the fellowship, fellows will:
- Be proficient in diagnosing and surgically managing common and complex adult and paediatric spinal pathologies.
- Participate in the full clinical pathway: pre-op assessment, intraoperative decision-making, and post-op follow-up.
- Initiate or contribute to at least one spine-related research project.
- Gain familiarity with international spine-care standards and emerging techniques.
We welcome expressions of interest for upcoming fellowship cycles.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Applicants: Qualified Orthopaedic Surgeons or Neurosurgeons planning to subspecialise in spine.
Language Requirements: IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT (for international applicants).
Medical Registration:
International fellows must be credentialed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) on their arrival in Australia.
Credentialing with participating hospitals follows AHPRA registration.
How to Apply
Prepare your application:
- Current CV & level of training
- Two recent written references
- Statement of research interests
- Preferred fellowship duration and dates
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/OET/PTE/TOEFL)
Email your application to deborah@nswspinespecialists.com.au
Testimonials from Past Fellows
"This comprehensive and high-clinical-volume fellowship... sharpened my clinical acumen and decision-making process."
- Dr Prakash Sitoula (2021-23 Fellow)
"The experience has been nothing short of brilliant... I participated in complex spinal cases, from decision making to theatre operations."
- Dr Muhammed Rashid Issa (2021-22 Fellow)
"I trained in adult degenerative spine conditions, deformity surgeries, and paediatric scoliosis...weekly case discussions and multidisciplinary team collaborations."
- Dr Sheng-Chieh Tseng (2024 Fellowship Observership)
For appointments and enquiries please phone 1300 975 800
info@ssnsw.com.au
Fax: (02) 9136 7396
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Monday to Friday
