At the outset, I would like to thank ISKSAA and MEDACTA for awarding me with this fellowship, which has been a great learning tool for me. I was glad to be informed by Dr. Manit Arora (ISKSAA fellowship coordinator & chair research committee) that I had been selected for an inaugural WHA clinical research fellowship in Melbourne, Australia for 2 months in 2018

The purpose of my stay was to gather more experience in clinical orthopaedics with a particular emphasis on Anterior hip replacement and hip arthroscopy. To the best of my knowledge, muscle sparing anterior hip replacement and hip arthroscopy have gained attention as patients demand shortened recovery time and accelerated rehabilitation. Furthermore, Medacta table allows a surgeon to perform Total Hip Arthroplasty through a single anterior incision, without detachment of muscle from the pelvis, or femur. The table allows hyperextension, adduction, abduction and external rotation of hip for femoral component placement, a positioning options not possible with conventional tables.

Even before my arrival, Dr. Phong Tran, who was my Chief fellowship supervisor and head of the department at western health, had not only provided me tremendous support in planning my journey to Melbourne but also looked after my travel to every hospital he visited and this was immensely helpful while I was in Melbourne.

Upon my arrival on 15^th February 2018, I met Dr. Tran who is an unassuming gentleman with a charming smile on his face all the time. Moreover, Dr. Tran has introduced me to all the members of western health orthopaedics department and this facilitated me to liaison and to share my opinion with everyone. Through guidance and close tutoring by Dr. Tran, I could be able to gain expertise in the diagnostic process of various hip conditions and surgical knowledge in Anterior hip replacement and hip arthroscopy. During my fellowship, I was exposed to a large number of successful anterior hip replacement and hip arthroscopy for various hip conditions. I have also learned some useful clinical “pearls” from Dr. Tran and Dr. Pianta who have gathered during their long career.

The cherry on the cake was when I got the chance to present my experience at journal club and to conduct research work under the supervision of Dr. Tran. Further more, attending Friday mornings which were reserved for registrar presentation, weekly X-ray meeting and case conference was always characterised by vivid and constructive discussions. Participating in these meetings kept me in close contact with other specialities in orthopaedics. Finally, I would like to particularly mention Lidia Carbone (orthopaedics secretary Western health, footscray hospital) for updating me time to time with orthopaedic weekly meetings which made me feel part of the team.

Besides my time in the hospital, I enjoyed getting to know the beautiful Melbourne city and its culture.

All in all, very welcoming and enthusiastic crew, great personal experience. Therefore ,I highly recommend this clinical research fellowship to young surgeons who aspire to establish their career in the field of research and advances in orthopaedics.

My special thanks to Dr. Puspinder Bajaj (ISKSAA president ) and his team for providing this wonderful opportunity to young surgeons.