Insights from a Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon Abroad:- Travelling consultant fellowship to the US.

From September 29th to October 19th, 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the BSCOS Orthopediatrics Consultant Travelling Fellowship. This journey took me to two of the United States’ leading pediatric hospitals: Texas Children’s Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Along the way, I met some of the most respected names in pediatric orthopaedics, including Simon Kelley, Pablo Castaneda, Scott Rosenfeld, Pooya Hosseinzadeh, and the legendary Perry Schoenecker. This experience was not just about observing new techniques but also about sharing knowledge, building professional networks, and most importantly, forging lasting friendships.

Immersing in Excellence at Texas Children’s Hospital

My fellowship began at Texas Children’s Hospital, a renowned center for pediatric orthopedics. Here, I had the opportunity to work closely with Simon Kelley, Pablo Castaneda, and Scott Rosenfeld. Each consultant brought unique expertise and perspectives that enriched my understanding of complex pediatric cases.

Learning New Techniques

One of the highlights was observing advanced surgical techniques that are not commonly practiced in my home institution. For example, Scott Rosenfeld showed me how he performs the triple pelvic osteotomy in a 12-year-old girl with residual acetabular dysplasia after DDH treatment. Watching procedures like this up close allowed me to appreciate the nuances of surgical planning and execution.

Sharing Knowledge and Teaching Residents

Teaching is a two-way street. While I learned a great deal from the consultants, I also had the chance to contribute by leading teaching sessions for residents. These sessions focused on the latest evidence-based practices in pediatric orthopedics and case discussions from my own clinical experience. It is always interesting to engage with adult learners from different backgrounds in different contexts.

Building Professional Networks

Texas Children’s Hospital provided an ideal environment for networking. Informal discussions over coffee breaks and formal meetings allowed me to connect with other specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals. These interactions opened doors for future collaborations and research opportunities.

Texas Children’s Hospital pediatric orthopedic theatre showcasing surgical equipment and patient care areas

A Week at St. Louis Children’s Hospital: Meeting Legends and Expanding Horizons

After a week in Texas, I travelled to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Here, I shadowed Pooya Hosseinzadeh and had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Perry Schoenecker, a true legend in pediatric orthopedics.

Observing and Adopting New Practices

Pooya's practice has many similarities to my own with interests in pediatric foot and ankle disorders and neuromuscular disease. Over the week we must have discussed tens of complex cases, different management options, and surgical approaches. Joining him in theatre and outpatients, it was reassuring to see common themes in the way we treat our children. Differences also offer food for thought about ways and means I might adapt my practice moving forward.

Meeting Perry Schoenecker was special. His decades of experience and pioneering work in pediatric orthopedics inspire me deeply. We discussed evolving treatment philosophies and the future of pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Strengthening Friendships and Professional Bonds

Beyond clinical learning, this fellowship was about people. I strengthened existing friendships with colleagues I had met previously and built new ones with the teams at both hospitals. These relationships are invaluable for ongoing support, advice, and collaboration.

Key Takeaways from the Fellowship

This fellowship was a rich blend of learning, teaching, and connecting. Here are some of the most important lessons and experiences I gained:

• Exposure to advanced surgical techniques that I plan to incorporate into my practice.

• Opportunities to teach residents, which enhanced my leadership skills.

• Insight into multidisciplinary care models that improve patient outcomes.

• Networking with leading experts in pediatric orthopedics, opening doors for future collaborations.

• Building lifelong friendships that provide both professional and personal support.