The purpose of the AO Fellowship is to provide additional experience in AO techniques for fully trained orthopaedic and general surgeons interested in trauma. It should make them familiar with indications, planning, techniques and pitfalls of osteosynthesis as judged by AO experts. This applies to fractures, multiple trauma management, pseudoarthrosis, osteotomies, arthrodeses, etc.
AO Fellowships are offered in AO hospitals in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Chile, Australia and Singapore.
The duration of a regular AO Fellowship is a minimum of one to a maximum of three months. The stipend for the fellow is sent care of the host clinic. This allowance usually covers the cost of accommodation and meals. All travel expenses are the responsibility of the fellow.
Most clinics provide simple accommodation for one person only. This is best for a quick integration into the daily routine and work in the surgical unit (incl. "scrubbed in" assistance for emergency operations) and an optimal professional training during the short period of the fellowship. If other accommodation (e.g. for the family) is requested, the fellow must organize and pay for it himself.AO International handles and coordinates all Fellowship applications worldwide.
The applicant for an AO Fellowship must fulfil the following criterias:
Upon completion of the application form (typewritten) the resident is asked to return it to AO North America, 1690 Russell Road, Paoli, PA 19301-0800 / USA, enclosing the following documents:
If a visa is required to enter a specific country this should be sought well in advance. Please state that this is for visiting purposes only and not for work. AO International will provide a letter of invitation to facilitate the visa procedure.
1. Applications must be sent at least 8-12 months prior to the requested period of the fellowship.
2. The candidate may express his preference for a clinic with his application, the final decision will however be with AO International, based on the application and availability places.
3. In view of the numerous applications, all arrangements are exclusively coordinated by AO International, no direct arrangement between a future fellow and a specific clinic will be tolerated nor supported
4. Confirmation of acceptance must be received by AO International within one month after the fellowship has been granted. The arrangement is then considered as a binding contract. If no response is received within that period, AO International will be free to assign the place to another candidate.
5. Any later wishes for change of dates or places may endanger the entire fellowship. If a fellow cannot fulfill the regulations mentioned herein, the head of the clinic may propose to the President of AO International a premature termination of the stay.
6. The scholar is expected to follow the daily routine of the clinic and should be available for emergencies at night and on weekends. Active participation as a scrubbed assistant should be possible.
7. Temporary leave of absence needs approval from the head of the clinic. If, for some reason, the fellow wishes to change the placement or leave prior to completion of the allotted period, permission must be sought from the chief of the clinic and the President of AO-International.
8. Some clinics suggest, as a means of introduction, that the fellow gives a short presentation to the staff. This can be on a subject or topic with which the fellow is familiar or may be actively involved in. We recommend that you contact the clinic to inquire about such a presentation.
9. The fellowship program can only maintain its standard or improve, if there is feedback from the fellows. Following completion of the placement, a confidential report is requested. This evaluation form should be returned to the President of AO International with honest comments or criticisms.
10. A confidential report is also prepared by the host clinic on every fellow. This will be used as a reference for any further communication or information.