SWAPS Fellowships

Sydney West Advanced Pelvic Surgery unit provides a unique opportunity for prospective Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. There is an intense focus on advanced endoscopic surgical techniques. A clinical and research Fellowship position is available within the unit providing clinical experience with emphasis on laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynaecological procedures.

Participating hospitals include Blacktown, Nepean and Westmead Public Hospitals; the Hills Private, Nepean Private, the SAN Hospitals, and the Castle Hill Day Surgery in Sydney Metropolitan Area, New South Wales, Australia.

The Fellow in Endoscopic Gynaecology in SWAPS is a fully funded position with contributions from Sydney West Area Health Service, Hills Private Hospital and the private sector. It is an accredited position by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) Elective term in years 5 or 6 of Registrar Training.

The SWAPS Fellow position was created in 2001.

Each year a new Fellow is chosen from registrars around Australia who apply. This position has now become highly sought after because of the benefits it brings to both the Fellow and the SWAPS surgical Unit.

2012 Fellow - Dr Christopher Smith.

Dr Christopher Smith is in his 5th year of specialist training. He is an honours graduate from the University of Sydney who completed his residency at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in Queensland. He commenced his formal Obstetric and Gynaecology training at Royal North Shore Hospital where he has developed a strong interest in minimally invasive surgery and clinical research. Christopher is currently the NSW RANZCOG trainee representative. He will complete his training in August 2013.

2010-2012 SWAPS Fellow - Dr Yogesh Nikam...

Yogesh is in his 2nd year of Laparoscopy Fellowship and sixth year of training and will be completing his training in 2011, when he will become a fully qualified specialist in O&G with a particular expertise in Gynecological endoscopic surgery in Australia.

Yogesh is an Overseas Trained Specialist from India. His postgraduate qualifications include a Master of Surgery (M.S, O&G) India, Diploma in Endoscopy Germany & a Fellowship in Laparoscopy from Singapore & India. Prior to commencement of this Fellowship, Yogesh was an O&G registrar at Nepean Hospital. He has 5 international publications to his credit so far.

Along with his keen interest in laparoscopy, he has an equal interest in clinical work, research and teaching.

His other interests include photography, reading and travel. His intends to complete his training and then progress to clinical practice.

The SWAPS Fellow in 2011 is Dr Sean Burnet..

Sean Burnet is a 5th year trainee who graduated form the University of Newcastle. He has worked in various hospitals including Nepean, St George, Royal Hospital for Women, Tamworth and now at Blacktown. He will complete his training in 2012. His interests lie in laparoscopic surgery, pelvic floor repair and obstetric medicine.