Observership positions within the Department are available to consultant surgeons and senior surgical trainees. Other applicants will be considered only in exceptional circumstances. A maximum of four observer positions are available at any one time; two in Paediatric Surgery and two in Urology. There is some flexibility in the maximum numbers, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Observers are not permitted to have any direct patient contact, although they are free to accompany other members of the team on ward rounds. Observers are not credentialed to scrub during operative procedures and are not permitted to attend business or departmental meetings. The consultant surgeon responsible for supervision of each observer will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Clearly, if the observer has a specific interest in a particular sub-specialty, the appropriate consultant will oversee their visit. In all other cases, observers will be allocated a supervising consultant on a rotational basis.

Observerships are offered for a maximum period of three months. It may be possible for Australian observers to apply for an extension to six months if appropriate. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the department on a case-by-case basis. Observers coming from overseas will not be able to apply for an extension, due to visa constraints. 

Applications

Please send all applications to our Departmental secretary at  paediatric.surgery@rch.org.au. Applications will be discussed by the senior members of the department and applicants will be informed of the result of their application in due course. Ideally, applications will be received at least two months prior to the proposed commencement date, to allow overseas applicants sufficient time to apply for their own visa.

At the time of application, all applicants must provide:

• Cover letter outlining the objectives of the observership 
• Indication of desired commencement date and duration of stay
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of recommendation from their current head of department  

Please note that The Royal Children’s Hospital has additional documentation requirements, which will be requested upon confirmation of your Observership.Please see The Royal Children’s Hospital’s policy, Appointment of Medical Observers,  for further information, including visa information and administration fees.