Fellowship Report
Travelling Fellowship in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
Under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Agarwal

I had the privilege of completing a one-month travelling fellowship in hip and knee arthroplasty at the University of Missouri, Columbia (USA), under the expert mentorship of Dr. Ajay Agarwal. The fellowship provided extensive exposure to primary, revision, and robotic-assisted arthroplasty, utilizing the advanced Mako 4.0 robotic system.

We were a group of four fellows, and the experience was both academically enriching and clinically intensive. We actively scrubbed in for surgeries and assisted in numerous cases in the operation theatre, allowing us to gain first-hand surgical experience. Dr. Ajay Agarwal also introduced us to other consultants at the University, with whom we had the opportunity to work and observe, thereby broadening our exposure to various surgical techniques and practices.

A key highlight of the fellowship was the participation in two hands-on cadaveric workshops:

1. Cadaveric Workshop on Hip Arthroscopy – Held at the University of Missouri’s state-of-the-art cadaveric lab, this workshop focused on arthroscopic portal placement, instrumentation, and technique.
2. Cadaveric Workshop on Hip and Knee Arthroplasty – Conducted at the Stryker facility in St. Louis, this session allowed us to perform complete joint replacement procedures, including implant positioning and the use of modern surgical tools.

In addition to the surgical training, weekly academic sessions were conducted every Wednesday evening, which included case discussions, recent advances, and literature reviews. These sessions were highly informative and contributed significantly to our theoretical and clinical understanding.

Dr. Ajay Agarwal was not only an outstanding mentor but also a generous and approachable guide who treated us like family. He ensured our involvement in all aspects of the fellowship—teaching, hands-on practice, clinical rounds, and even social interactions. The camaraderie and fun we had outside the operating room made the experience even more memorable.

Travel & Accommodation:
Traveling to Columbia is convenient. One can fly into St. Louis and then take an Uber, Lyft, or shuttle to Columbia. Accommodation is easily available, with multiple Airbnb listings and rental apartments within walking distance of the university, bookable through standard online platforms.

Conclusion:
This fellowship was an excellent blend of hands-on training, academic learning, and cultural exchange. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Ajay Agarwal and the University of Missouri for offering such a valuable and memorable learning opportunity.