Post Fellowship Programme
Promoting excellence in surgical care, training, and research across East, Central, and Southern Africa
Purpose
COSECSA’s Post‑Fellowship Programme (especially in cleft care) is a specialized advanced training designed after a surgeon has completed their fellowship (FCS) or equivalent. Rather than broad general surgical training, this programme gives surgeons additional, in‑depth exposure to a subspecialty (e.g. cleft lip and palate surgery) so they can lead, teach, and deliver high-quality care in those areas.
The programme is structured to:
• Deepen knowledge of the embryologic, anatomical, and surgical principles underlying the specialty (e.g. cleft lip & palate)
• Build competency in multidisciplinary team care (speech, orthodontics, nutrition, audiology, etc.)
• Provide hands-on surgical experience (primary, secondary repairs, alveolar bone grafting)
• Promote research and scholarly work in the subspecialty, facilitating regional collaborations and publications
History & Partners
The Post Fellowship Curriculum in Cleft Care was developed by COSECSA in partnership with Smile Train and the West African College of Surgeons (WACS). The 9‑month version is one current format, and provisions exist for financial support (e.g. living subsidies, travel).
Through funding from Smile Train, COSECSA has committed to supporting multiple scholars, including an eight‑month post‑fellowship cleft surgery certification, over several years.
Structure
• Duration: ~9 months
• Delivered at accredited training centers
• Combines didactic teaching, hands-on surgical mentorship, clinical exposure, and research projects
• At completion, candidates receive certification in cleft care (or the relevant subspecialty)
Outcomes
• Surgeons emerge with advanced subspecialty competence, often becoming regional leaders
• The programme helps expand access to specialized surgical care in under-served regions
• Fellows often contribute scholarly work (publications, audits, training)