Fourth year of AO fellowship continues to open up global opportunities for RJAH

A prestigious international fellowship is continuing to open doors for the next generation of orthopaedic specialists at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH).

A fourth registrar selected in four consecutive years has returned after undertaking specialist training and research at one of the world's leading centres for orthopaedic research and innovation in Switzerland.

As part of the prestigious fellowship, Srin Cheruvu, Specialty Registrar, spent two weeks at the AO Research Institute (ARI), in Davos.

The AO Foundation is a world leading, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders through research, innovation and education.

The fellowship is funded by the Orthopaedic Institute, a registered charity based at RJAH which supports research and education for patient benefit. Its funding helps cover the costs of the placement, enabling selected registrars to access this specialist training.

Mr Tosan Okoro, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, undertakes a thorough recruitment process, which requires registrars to submit a personal statement, an up-to-date CV and research proposal, before being invited for an interview. The chosen registrar after interview then gets the opportunity to embark on the fellowship.

He said: "As well as gaining clinical experience and research knowledge, fellowships are a fantastic opportunity for new life experiences and networking with colleagues working in orthopaedics across the world.

"I'm keen we continue to foster the relationship between RJAH, the Orthopaedic Institute and the AO Foundation to further improve our research, clinical outcomes and training opportunities."

Laura Haythorn, Orthopaedic Institute Manager, said: "We are delighted to see the AO Travelling Fellowship continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our registrars.

“The programme enables them to learn from world-leading experts, build international connections and bring valuable experience back to RJAH, helping to strengthen our reputation as a centre of excellence for orthopaedic care, research and education."

During his time in Davos, Srin worked alongside international researchers, engineers and clinicians, gaining insight into the latest advances in regenerative medicine, biomechanics, implant development and infection prevention.

As part of the fellowship, he joined a global network of orthopaedic professionals and researchers, establishing connections that will support future collaboration and research opportunities.

In recognition of his contribution during the programme, Srin was also awarded a Perren Fellowship – named after Professor Stephan Perren, one of the pioneers of modern orthopaedic research.

Srin said: "The fellowship was an incredible opportunity to see world leading orthopaedic research and innovation first-hand.

"I was able to learn from internationally recognised experts, explore pioneering technologies and build relationships with colleagues from around the world.

“The experience has enhanced my own development and strengthened links between RJAH and the wider international orthopaedic community.

"I am extremely grateful to Mr Okoro, the Orthopaedic Institute and the AO Research Institute for making this opportunity possible."