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V O L 4 2019 I S S U E

FELLOWSHIP DIARY

Australian Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive and
“ “
Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon - Dr Linda Monshizadeh

HIS STRENGTH WAS AS THE STRENGTH

OF TEN, BECAUSE HIS HEART WAS PURE

Human knowledge is rapidly expanding. Each surgeon takes the responsibility of
Buckminster Fuller first described the ultimately selecting the type, destination and
“Knowledge Doubling Curve.” Prior to 1900 length of their fellowship program based on
human knowledge doubled approximately their future goals.
every century. By the end of World War II
knowledge was doubling every 25 years. Today Reasons for this may include one or more of
each discipline experiences unique rates of the following: Dr Linda
growth. Clinical knowledge doubles every 18
months and on average human knowledge 1. To gain experience to build confidence. Monshizadeh
is doubling every 13 months. It has been 2. Exposure to different techniques at
estimated that the “internet of things” will lead different centres. Consultant Plastic surgeon
to the doubling of knowledge every 12 hours. 3. “Fill in gaps” in clinical knowledge/ Sir Charles Gairdner
experience not completed during primary
The field of surgery is no exception. World war I training. Hospital and Perth
and II saw the birth of plastic and reconstructive 4. Increased job prospects. Children’s Hospital
surgery. Since then further growth and Perth, Australia
knowledge has led to super specialisation in Worldwide there are many centres offering
many areas within this field. Following the fellowships in “craniofacial” surgery. These
pioneering work of Dr Paul Tessier, the field of fellowships vary widely and may cover only
craniomaxillofacial surgery has travelled on a specific areas within the field. Only a minority
rapid path to become a unique specialty of its are dedicated centres with exposure to all facets
own. of craniofacial surgery including typical and
rare clefts, craniosynostoses, tumours, trauma,
Towards the path of specialisation, fellowships craniofacial syndromes and orthognathic
are becoming a vital final stepping stone. surgery.
Clinical fellowships offer surgeons a unique
opportunity for additional training after Selection pathways for prospective fellows vary
completion of their core surgical training but based on where they choose to apply. In the
before commencement as a primary consultant. United States many craniofacial fellowships

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