How to choose a surgical fellowship

Start with the work you want to do

Define the procedures, patient groups and decisions you need to become more independent in. A famous institution is not automatically the right training environment.

Compare the conditions, not only the title

Ask each programme the same questions before you rank it.

• What can the fellow observe, assist with and perform under supervision?
• How is progressive responsibility decided?
• Who provides feedback and how often?
• What registration, language and visa conditions apply?
• Which costs, salary, insurance and leave terms are documented?

Use evidence consistently

Treat missing information as a question for the programme. Do not assume that clinical means hands-on or that international applications imply registration eligibility.