Hosting Centers & Observership of DSS – Guidelines & Processes

In keeping with the commitment of the Spine Society Delhi Chapter we are happy to inform you that we are starting a four-week traveling observership for young, budding surgeons from all over India. They will be visiting four spine centers in Delhi NCR. In honor of our founding president, we name this observership the “Prof Arvind Jayaswal Traveling Observership of SCDC.”

Guidelines

I. Hosting Centre
a. Eligibility for becoming a Hosting Centre  

Centre should be recognized for competence in spine surgery, preferably recognized for provision of a standard training program in spine surgery, have an DSS member recognized for his/her training skills. It should have spine team, single mentor centers will not be approved.
The Centers should have the possibility to provide hands on training. Post graduate teaching institutions will be preferred. All pathologies should be addressed (Trauma/ Tumor/ Infection/ Deformity/Degenerative and Metabolic disorders).
In house critical care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, radiology (CT, MRI, X rays), pathology services should be available. In house theatre facility with C Arm, neuro monitoring, Operating Microscope, Burrs should be there. 

Case load should be at least 500 cases per year (spine alone). Library/ internet access/ journals access online should be available in center. 
Dedicated training time: teaching and research time should be built in the system. Research output, publications and presentations should be emphasized.  

 

b.Designating a Center as a Hostings Center

Interested centers can fill up the attached form. The Executive committee will evaluate if all eligibility criteria are met and accord final approval.

 

II.Observership
a.Eligibility of a candidate for DSS Observership  

The candidate must be of age between 28-40 years, must be a MS/DNB/FRCS/equivalent in Orthopedics or MCh / DNB in Neurosurgery, should have active interest in developing spine as a full-time specialty & must have permanent registration with the NMC (National Medical Commission)/DMC (Delhi Medical Council). He / she should have strong emphasis on publications and presentation. A fellow will have to maintain and submit complete logbook and final evaluation form. 
Observership is open for Indian Nationals only.

b. Observership Duration & Stipend

Duration would be 4 weeks rotatory Observership in four different hosting centers in NCR. Candidate can choose two centres, other two will be allocated by the DSS executive. He will be given a stipend of Rs 25000 ( Twenty five thousand only) on completion of the Observership.

c. Selecting a candidate for DSS Observership

Interested candidates should apply by sending the filled application form to Secretary DSS.
Secretary would review the eligibility criteria.  Candidate for Fellowship would be selected on recommendation of executive committee and approval for Fellowship would be subject to acceptance of the candidate by the Hosting Centre.  

d. Other details of the Observership  

  • Working hours: The fellow is expected to follow the daily routine of the centre and should be available for emergencies.
  • Leave of absence: Maximum of 4 casual leaves will be given to the candidate in one Observership duration.
  • Evaluation: The fellowship program can only maintain its standard or improve if there is feedback from the fellows. Following completion of the placement, a confidential report is requested. This evaluation form with honest comments or criticisms should be returned. A completed evaluation form is mandatory to receive DSS Observership certification.
  • Report: The hosting Centre would also need to prepare a confidential report on every fellow. This will be used as a reference for any further communication or information.
  • Case Representation: A logbook needs to be prepared by candidate for every surgery the fellow has participated during the Observership.

Total schedule – 4 weeks

  1. Attending the out-patient department everyday
  2. Assisting in the Operating rooms
  3. To get involved in daily rounds along with the resident and fellows
  4. Legalities/Certification: This program is a short term Observership just to give an insight into the spine surgery as a whole/into a particular sub speciality in different centre and under various mentors. This is not a fellowship and will not make the candidate legally eligible to practice spine surgery. DSS will give only Observership Certificate.