Shriners Children’s Philadelphia offers subspecialty fellowship training in pediatric upper extremity surgery and complex spine. Our programs host fellows each year from surrounding colleges and universities.
During the duration of their respective programs, which are typically one to six months, fellows are trained by a multitude of staff, are exposed to a high volume of rare and challenging problems, and leave prepared for successful academic careers in pediatric upper extremity surgery and complex spine.
As part of our education mission, we train multiple fellows per year. We are fortunate enough to have fellows who perform exceptionally well and help us provide optimal compassionate care to our patients. Many fellows have provided feedback after completing the program, stating that their time spent at Shriners Children’s has greatly impacted the care they provide in their practice.
Learn more about each fellowship program below:
Pediatric Spine Fellowship
Overview
The pediatric spine fellowship at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia is a six-month program that encompasses the breadth of pediatric spinal pathology. Fellows will develop critical clinical appraisal of patients in clinic, advance their understanding of inpatient care, and improve their surgical skills and decision making. The education ranges from management of early-onset scoliosis through casting/bracing/growing constructs, to treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with fusions and innovative approaches like vertebral body tethering, which received FDA clearance following a study conducted at our hospital.
Fellows experience everything from the nuances of more routine idiopathic curve management to halo-gravity traction and vertebral column resections for more severe curvatures. Some exposure to neurosurgical procedures such as detethering of spinal cords, selective dorsal rhizotomies and baclofen pump implantations will also occur. Upon graduation, fellows will have a sound understanding of routine and complex spinal pathology, which can be utilized to pursue either a career in academic or private practice. Candidates can apply for this fellowship through two pathways, but the Shriners Children’s experience is the same:
- Through a combined adult/pediatric fellowship with University of Pennsylvania – applications follow a standard post-residency match process.
- Granted directly through Shriners Children’s Philadelphia – may consist of infolded residents (typically PG 5+) or post-graduate fellows.
Prerequisite Training/Selection Criteria
Applicants can be of neurosurgical or orthopedic training. Those applying through the combined University of Pennsylvania fellowship should contact the Orthopedic Department at University of Pennsylvania and follow the match process. Others interested in the second position should contact Steve Hwang, M.D., directly and submit a CV to Dr. Hwang. Typically the second position is reserved for PGY5+ residents or post-training graduates. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Positions often fill two to three years ahead of time. The program does not discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected status.
Teaching Staff
Apply
Please contact Dr. Steve Hwang with any questions regarding the fellowship at sthwang@shrinenet.org.
Pediatric Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship
Overview
The pediatric hand and upper extremity fellowship at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia is a six-month program that provides in-depth exposure to the breadth of pediatric upper extremity pathology. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in the workup and management of both congenital and acquired upper extremity conditions, and leave well-equipped to start a career in pediatric hand surgery. Two fellowship spots are offered each year – one in the fall, and one in the spring.
Prerequisite Training/Selection Criteria
Applicants will need to have completed a year-long hand surgery fellowship prior to beginning the program. Both orthopedic surgery- and plastic surgery-trained applicants are considered. Applications should be submitted in the fall of the same year that the candidate matches to a hand surgery fellowship program. The deadline to apply is November 1. The program does not discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected status.
Teaching Staff
Apply
For more information and to apply, please follow the link below.
Please contact Dr. Eugene Park with any questions regarding the fellowship at epark@shrinenet.org.
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