The POSI – Johari Education Fund Fellowship for Rural / Underserved Areas of India

Purpose:

The purpose of this fellowship is to provide an opportunity for Orthopaedic Surgeons practicing in rural or underserved areas of India to visit POSI-approved Paediatric Orthopaedic Centres in India for a period of 1 – 3 months in order to hone their skills in basic paediatric orthopaedic conditions & procedures.

Goals, learning objectives, and curriculum design:

Through this fellowship, it is the endeavour of POSI to encourage, support, and develop knowledge in basic Paediatric Orthopaedic conditions such as, trauma, infection, limb deformities, congenital musculoskeletal conditions like clubfoot, DDH etc. in rural or underserved regions of India where Paediatric Orthopaedic care is not readily available. The goal of this fellowship is to empower general Orthopaedic Surgeons working in resource-challenged environments with basic knowledge & skills in the diagnosis and management of common musculoskeletal conditions seen in children. It is expected that the Fellow spends 1 – 3 months as an observer in a POSI-approved Paediatric Orthopaedic Centre, participating in an informal shadowing experience to attend clinics & ward rounds, observe basic Paediatric Orthopaedic procedures and surgeries, and participate in teaching conferences as per the basic skills curriculum. The aim is to make basic Paediatric Orthopaedic care available to all children living in rural & resource-challenged regions of the country, so that only specialized work needs to be referred to higher centres.

Eligibility:

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Junior, mid-career or senior level Orthopaedic surgeons presently working in rural / underserved towns & cities of India (population < 1 million as per GOI estimates). There is no age restriction.
2. Orthopaedic surgeons employed in Govt. PHC / CHC, District, sub-District or Civil Hospitals will be preferred. Those working in Trust-run or Charitable Hospitals serving rural populations may also apply
3. Distance from a higher centre where Paediatric Orthopaedic care is readily available will be an important consideration
4. Applicant should preferably have attended some Paediatric Orthopaedic conferences, CME or workshops in the past to demonstrate an interest in learning basic Paediatric Orthopaedic skills
5. Applicant will agree to write-up a one page summary within 1 month of completion of the fellowship for publication in POSI newsletter / Journal
6. Applicant is encouraged to apply for POSI membership either at the time of submission or upon successful completion of the fellowship

Successful candidates will be selected by the POSI – Johari Education Fund Committee using strict marking criteria to prevent any bias in the selection of the fellows.

Rules & Funding:

• POSI will award a sum of Rs. 25,000 per month (Rupees twenty-five thousand only) to the successful applicant as support towards travel, food & accommodation expenses.
• The selected Fellow may choose a duration of 1 month, 2 months or 3 months to complete the fellowship. Hence the maximum amount that will be awarded is Rs. 75,000.
• Since the total spend-down endowment is Rs. 75,000, more than one Fellow may be selected by POSI.
• The selected Fellow will be permitted to choose any centre from the list of POSI -approved Paediatric Orthopaedic centres in India. It will be the responsibility of the Fellow to liaise with the chosen centre directly, though POSI may assist with the process.
• Some host institutions may be able to provide support for local accommodation. The Fellow is encouraged to liaise with the local institution for the same.
• All other expenses, including Observership fees (if any) will be borne by the visiting fellow.
• The Fellow will maintain a daily logbook countersigned by Head of Dept. and submit the same along with a one page fellowship report within one month of completion of the fellowship. Cheque will be awarded only upon satisfactory completion of the fellowship and submission of logbook & fellowship report.

Timeline:

• Applications will be solicited from POSI / IOA / State Chapter Members through email / website from 15^th February
• Applications will be due by 31^st August
• Decisions will be communicated to the successful candidate by 15^th November
• The successful candidate will have to confirm acceptance of the fellowship in writing by 30^th November, otherwise the scholarship will be withdrawn and awarded to the next candidate on the list.
• The fellowship may be completed anytime between January to December of the following year. Any fellowship not availed of by the cut-off date will have deemed to have lapsed and the award will be withdrawn.
• Any withdrawal after acceptance, without a satisfactory reason, will be subject to penalties including debarring the defaulting candidate from applying for this fellowship in the future. The decision taken by the POSI – Johari Education Committee will be final & binding upon the candidate.
• It will be the responsibility of the selected candidate to liaise with the host centre to set up an itinerary and complete all necessary formalities & permissions. POSI will assist the candidate in the same.

How to apply:

All applicants should send the following documentation electronically to the POSI Secretariat before the due date:

1. Curriculum vitae with applicant details, contact information, educational qualifications & employment details
2. Self-attested copies of Orthopaedic degree / diploma certificate and Medical Council Registration certificate
3. Passport-sized photo
4. Personal statement of intent (upto 1000 words) discussing your background & experiences, future career path, and how this fellowship would benefit you
5. Two Letters of Recommendation – one from immediate Supervisor / Head of Dept. / Medical Director of current place of employment and another from a senior Orthopaedic surgeon the applicant has worked with earlier

POSI Secretariat
Dr. Viraj Shingade
Children Orthopaedic Care Institute,
Pravira Hospital, Near Haldiram Bldg,
Ajni Square, Wardha Road,
Nagpur - 440015. Maharashtra, India
Mob : +91 9370287673
Email : posisecretary23@gmail.com