Knee Surgery Fellowship, Melbourne
A six-month knee surgery fellowship in a private practice setting in Melbourne’s Bayside, accredited by the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
and A/Prof Sina Babazadeh
Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists, The Avenue Hospital and Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital
August to January
Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists Knee Surgery Fellowship
This is a six-month, sub-specialist knee surgery fellowship based in a private practice setting, under the supervision of Dr Vishal Pai and A/Prof Sina Babazadeh. The program is accredited by the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
Based in Sandringham, in Melbourne’s Bayside area.
What the Fellowship Involves
The fellow is embedded in a practice performing approximately 500 surgical cases a year. The caseload covers:
- High-volume primary and revision ACL reconstruction
- Primary and revision knee arthroplasty, including robotic-assisted techniques using Mako technology
- Arthroscopic knee surgery including meniscal repair
- Patellofemoral surgery including MPFL reconstruction, tibial tuberosity osteotomy and trochleoplasty
Dedicated research time is included, and fellows are expected to bring at least one project to final draft stage during their tenure.
The timetable allows for genuine flexibility, and fellows are not rostered beyond 32 hours per week.
Who This Fellowship Suits
The position is suited to a surgeon who has completed orthopaedic training and is seeking a focused period to consolidate advanced knee surgery skills.
Applicants are required to:
- Be eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA)
- Hold an appropriate level of postgraduate orthopaedic training
- Have research experience, including relevant publications
- Meet AHPRA’s English language proficiency requirements
- If applying internationally, hold a current IELTS academic certificate with a minimum score of 7 in each competency, and be eligible for an occupational training visa
How to Apply
Applications, including a CV, can be sent to admin@vishalpai.com.au. Please indicate which year and intake period (Feb–Jul or Aug–Jan) you are interested in applying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship is a six-month program, with two intake periods each year: February to July and August to January.
How much access to operating lists are there?
Dr Pai operates on two full-day private theatre lists per week. Given the nature of a private-sector fellowship, the fellow’s role is to assist and perform selected components of procedures under direct supervision. As the consultant surgeon, Dr Pai remains the primary operating surgeon and is responsible for the majority of each operation.
Is there a stipend?
Yes, the fellowship attracts a stipend of $45,000 AUD for the six-month term.
Where will I be based?
Training takes place across Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital, The Avenue Hospital, and Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists, all within Melbourne’s Bayside region.
Is this fellowship accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited by the Australian Orthopaedic Association (program code VIC2603363).
Will I have time for research?
Yes. Dedicated research time is included, and fellows are expected to develop at least one project to final draft stage during their tenure.
What are the working hours?
Fellows are not rostered beyond 32 hours per week, with flexibility built into the timetable. Visitations to other colleagues and educational cadaveric labs will also be arranged during the fellowship.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes, provided they meet AHPRA’s registration and English proficiency requirements, hold a current IELTS academic score of 7 or above in each competency, and are eligible for an occupational training visa.