Full PFET Program Details

HAND SURGERY

POST-FELLOWSHIP EDUCATION AND TRAINING (PFET) PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: Objective of Hand Surgery PFET Program

1.1 Aims of the Program

1.2 Learning Outcomes

SECTION 2: Curriculum

2.1 Injury of the Hand and Upper Limb

2.2 Elective Surgery of the Hand and Upper Limb

SECTION 3: Training Program Duration and Structure

3.1 Duration

3.2 Structure

SECTION 4: Administration of Program

4.1 Administrative Structure

4.2 Selection and Accreditation of Training Centres

43. Selection of Trainees

4.4 Assessment of Trainees

SECTION 5: Special Circumstances

5.1 Interruption of Training

5.2 Grievance Process

5.3 Appeal Process

SECTION 6: Fee Structure

6.1 Trainee Hand Surgery PFET Program Application Fee

6.2 Training Program Fee

6.3 Training Centre/Position – Assessment and Review Fee

APPENDIX 1 – Units to cover curriculum

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SECTION 1: Objective of Hand Surgery PFET Program

The PFET Program in Hand Surgery is a standalone training fellowship Program administered by the Australian Hand Surgery Society [AHSS]. It is accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons [RACS] and conducted within the framework of the nine College competencies.

1.1 Aims of the Program

The Program aims to:

1. Equip the surgeon with the specialist knowledge and range of skills necessary for the practice of hand surgery at the level of a newly appointed Consultant Hand Surgeon
2. Link and integrate the acquisition of detailed specialist knowledge with practical, technical, and professional skills in a manner that enhances the care of patients presenting with disorders of the hand.
3. Encourage detailed exploration of the evidence base for hand surgery practice, thereby promoting a culture of innovation and scientific enquiry.
4. Provide a model for ongoing integrated learning with appropriate internal and external assessments, elements of which could subsequently be adapted for use in consultant revalidation by RACS.
5. Define the standard for the practising hand surgeon within Australia, enabling the profession to establish its own paradigm of specialist education.
6. Promote recognition of Hand Surgery as a postgraduate subspecialty.
7. Improve the standard of care for disorders of the hand in Australia.

1.2 Learning Outcomes

1.2.1 Knowledge

Trainees will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles underpinning the theoretical and practical basis of hand surgery, including the relevant basic sciences.
2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific areas of hand surgical practice, particularly those relating to more common conditions as designated in the curriculum.
3. Develop an awareness of the clinical and scientific literature and the evidence base underpinning the practice of hand surgery.
4. Be aware of general advances within the field of primary training (orthopaedic and/or plastic surgery).

1.2.2 Cognitive Skills

Trainees will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to elicit and synthesise relevant information and plan an appropriate patient care pathway.
2. Critically evaluate scientific and clinical literature pertinent to the practice of hand surgery.
3. Demonstrate the capacity for higher-order thinking and decision-making.
4. Access literature databases and online journal facilities.
5. Be capable of designing an audit project.
6. Be capable of designing a research project and preparing relevant reports and papers.

1.2.3 Practical Skills

Trainees will be able to:

1. Acquire competencies relevant to the discipline, including the planning, counselling, and undertaking of procedures, as well as the management of aftercare and potential complications.
2. Acquire a range of operative skills appropriate to those expected of a newly appointed consultant.

1.2.4 Personal Qualities

Trainees will be able to:

1. Effectively communicate matters pertaining to everyday professional practice with patients, colleagues, and larger audiences as appropriate.
2. Demonstrate the ability to work with, organise, and lead a team.
3. Function as a competent physician practising according to Good Clinical Practice guidelines in compliance with the appropriate regulatory bodies.

SECTION 2: Curriculum

2.1 Injury of the Hand and Upper Limb

History and Clinical Examination of the Upper Limb

Skin
Techniques of skin cover – management of skin loss, including basic plastic surgical techniques:

1. Split skin grafts
2. Full thickness grafts
3. Local and distant pedicle flaps; Z-plasty; skin advancement and rotation
4. Free flaps – skin, subcutaneous tissue, multi-tissue

Tendon

1. Flexor Tendon
   a. Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, healing
   b. Techniques of primary repair
   c. Secondary techniques e.g. graft, pulley reconstruction, tenolysis, tenodesis
2. Extensor Tendon
   a. Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, healing
   b. Techniques of primary repair
   c. Secondary techniques e.g. graft, transfers, tenolysis

Nerve

1. Anatomy, physiology, types of injury
2. Repair mechanisms
3. Repair techniques, including microsurgical techniques
4. Primary repair – major nerve, digital nerve
5. Nerve graft
6. Neurolysis
7. Neuroma management
8. Brachial plexus injuries

Vessels

1. Anatomy, physiology, pathology
2. Microsurgical techniques, vessel repair and anastomosis
3. Management of arterial injuries
4. Management of compartment syndromes and their sequelae
5. Management of ischaemic hands

Bone

1. Anatomy, physiology, fracture healing, and the biomechanics of fracture repair and fixation
2. Techniques of fracture fixation – closed methods
   a. Use of splints and casts
   b. External fixation
3. Techniques of fracture fixation – open methods, e.g. K-wires, plates and screws
4. Management of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures and fracture dislocations
   a. Shaft
   b. Intra-articular
5. Wrist injuries
   a. Carpal bone fractures (non-scaphoid)
   b. Scaphoid fractures
   c. Carpal dislocations and fracture dislocations
   d. Fractures and fracture dislocations of the distal radius
   e. Fractures, dislocations and fracture dislocations of the distal ulna
6. Kienböck’s disease and other carpal ischaemias
7. Secondary management
   a. Repair of non-unions and malunions
   b. Osteotomies, arthroplasties and fusions
   c. Management of late carpal collapse
   d. Management of late problems in the distal radioulnar joint
   e. Management of late problems in the carpometacarpal joint areas
   f. Management of bone loss (bone grafts, vascularised bone grafts, free flaps)

Ligaments

1. Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and types of injury
2. Diagnostic techniques: standard imaging, specialised imaging, arthrography, arthroscopy
3. Management of dislocations and ligament injuries – interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints
   a. Open repair of ligament injuries of the fingers and thumb
   b. Reconstruction of chronic ligament injuries
4. Management of acute and chronic ligament injuries of the wrist
   a. Carpal subluxations and instabilities
   b. Management of injuries to the distal radioulnar joint and triangular fibrocartilage complex
   c. Arthroscopic surgery of the wrist and hand

Amputations

1. Techniques for the treatment of fingertip injuries
2. Techniques for the repair of thumb amputations
3. Management of finger, hand, and forearm amputations
4. Replantation and revascularisation
5. Reconstruction following amputation
   a. Prostheses and orthoses
   b. Thumb and digit reconstruction

Special Injuries

1. Management of thermal and electrical injuries
2. Management of pressure and injection injuries
3. Management of degloving injuries
4. Management of multiple tissue injuries
5. Radiation and chemical injuries
6. Vibration injuries

 

2.2 Elective Surgery of the Hand and Upper Limb

Congenital

1. Embryology of the hand and upper limb
2. Classification of congenital hand anomalies
3. Management of congenital hand anomalies
   a. Thumb e.g. aplasia, duplication
   b. Digits e.g. syndactyly, polydactyly, clinodactyly, camptodactyly
   c. Limb e.g. radial and ulnar club hand, aplasia, cleft hand
4. Techniques used in the management of congenital anomalies
   a. Pollicisation, finger transfer
   b. Flaps
   c. Toe-to-hand transfers
   d. Microsurgical techniques
   e. Physis manipulation
   f. External fixator manipulation

Paralyses

1. General principles in the management of cerebral palsy and other spastic paralyses
2. General principles in the management of tetraplegia
3. Paralyses due to poliomyelitis
4. Paralyses due to nerve injury and reconstruction for peripheral nerve lesions
5. General principles in the management of muscular dystrophy and other neurological conditions
6. Tendon transfers
7. Nerve transfers
8. Stabilisation of joints
9. Contracture management

Arthritis

1. Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory joint diseases
2. General principles in the management of arthritis of the hand and upper limb
3. Management of rheumatoid arthritis including tendon and joint synovectomy, tendon transfer, arthroplasty, and arthrodesis
   a. Interphalangeal joints
   b. Metacarpophalangeal joints
   c. Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb
   d. Wrist and inferior radioulnar joint
4. Management of osteoarthritis including arthroplasty and arthrodesis
   a. Digital joints
   b. Thumb base
   c. Intercarpal joints
   d. Wrist and inferior radioulnar joint
5. Management of other arthritides
   a. Psoriatic arthropathy
   b. Systemic lupus
   c. Scleroderma
   d. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
   e. Gout
   f. Others

Nerve Compression Syndromes

1. Pathology, electromyography (EMG) techniques, and nerve conduction studies
2. Management of compression syndromes
   a. Median
   b. Ulnar
   c. Radial
   d. Thoracic outlet and other proximal compartment syndromes

Tumours

1. Pathology of tumours affecting the hand
2. Principles of tumour management
3. Management of soft tissue tumours
   a. Ganglion
   b. Benign soft tissue tumours including pigmented villonodular synovitis
   c. Malignant soft tissue tumours
4. Management of bone tumours
   a. Benign
   b. Malignant
   c. Metastatic

Infection

1. General principles, prevention, and use of antibiotics
2. Wound infection
3. Nail infection
4. Infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues
5. Deep sepsis
   a. Septic arthritis
   b. Osteomyelitis
   c. Tendon sheath infection
6. Esoteric infections e.g. orf, mycobacterial infections
7. Limb- and/or life-threatening conditions e.g. necrotising fasciitis

Connective Tissue Disorders

1. Anatomy, physiology, and pathology of connective tissue disorders in the hand, including stenosing syndromes e.g. trigger digits and de Quervain’s syndrome
2. Dupuytren’s contracture
   a. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, epidemiology
   b. Surgical techniques
3. Tenosynovitis of the wrist and hand
4. Other connective tissue disorders e.g. fasciitis, enthesitis

Pain Syndromes in the Upper Limb

1. Occipito-cervico-brachial pain
2. Occupational and vocational problems
3. Pain dysfunction syndromes e.g. “cumulative trauma disorder” and “repetitive strain injury”
4. Causalgia and other types of dystrophic responses – complex regional pain syndromes (types 1 and 2)
5. Hysterical and psychosomatic conditions in the upper limb

Sports Injuries in the Upper Limb

Related Disciplines

1. Dermatology
   a. Diseases and tumours of the skin affecting the hand
   b. Abnormalities of the nail
2. Neurology
   a. Detailed anatomy and physiology of the peripheral nervous system in the upper limb
3. Knowledge of neurological conditions that cause sensory deficit and paralysis in the upper limb
   c. Basic knowledge in the use and interpretation of electrical studies of nerves
4. Rheumatology
   a. Knowledge of connective tissue disorders that may manifest in the upper limb e.g. scleroderma, lupus, psoriasis, gout
   b. Knowledge of the basic principles in the management of rheumatoid arthritis
5. General Medicine – knowledge of the ways in which systemic disease may manifest through changes in the hand e.g. finger clubbing, acrocyanosis, diabetic cheiroarthropathy
6. Rehabilitation – extensive knowledge of the techniques and principles of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy in the upper limb
7. Radiology – extensive knowledge of the various types of medical imaging that may be valuable in the investigation of hand and wrist conditions e.g. ultrasound, CT, MRI, contrast arthrography
8. Psychiatry – understanding of the interplay between psyche and soma in injury and disease of the upper limb e.g. hysterical hand conditions, pain magnification, malingering
9. Vascular Disease – understanding of the effects of circulatory disorders on the upper limb
10. Oncology – general knowledge of tumour behaviour, classification, and management
11. Anaesthetics – understanding of anaesthetic techniques, particularly regional anaesthesia.

 

SECTION 3: Training Program Duration and Structure

3.1 Duration

a. Full-time – A minimum of 18 months in approved training centres following completion of specialty Fellowship training.

b. Training pauses may be considered with prior approval, provided completion of the Program occurs within four years. Applications for training pauses must be submitted prospectively in writing to the PFET Committee and must include an appropriate plan for completion. There is no guarantee that preferred training placements will be available following a training pause. Failure to apply prospectively or to submit a feasible completion plan will result in termination of candidature.

3.2 Structure

3.2.1 Criteria Necessary for Completion of the Program

Completion of the Program requires achievement of the following:

1. A minimum of 18 months in approved centres, including at least 12 months in PFET-accredited centres within Australia or New Zealand.
2. Satisfactory assessments from the appropriate centre’s clinical supervisor every six months.
3. Completion of a surgical logbook, submitted to and approved by the PFET Committee.
4. Satisfactory completion of an appropriate research project.
5. Completion of compulsory training courses in microsurgery (for orthopaedic trainees) and appropriate fracture fixation (for plastic surgery trainees).
6. Attendance at a minimum of two national or international congresses in hand surgery, including at least one attendance at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the AHSS during the PFET training period.
7. Submission of documentation confirming satisfactory completion of the above requirements.
8. Exit assessment conducted at the AHSS ASM following submission of the required documentation.

SECTION 4: Administration of Program

4.1 Administrative Structure

1. Hand Surgery PFET Committee (4 members):
   i. President of the Australian Hand Surgery Society (AHSS)
   ii. Chairperson, AHSS Education Committee
   iii. Minimum of two AHSS members, of whom two are PFET Directors

 

4.2 Selection and Accreditation of Training Centres

 

4.2.1 Selection of Training Centres

The Hand Surgery PFET Committee will receive applications from Training Centres with the capacity to provide appropriate training in accordance with the following criteria:

1. The institution(s) in which the position is located must have a defined hand unit or craft group with the capacity to meet the requirements of the curriculum and the objectives of the PFET Program.
2. The institution must have two currently practising designated supervisors—or one per trainee, whichever is greater—who are AHSS Full Members, whose practice consists of at least 50% hand or peripheral nerve surgery, and who have a minimum of five years of post-fellowship experience.
3. The position must provide appropriate remuneration for the fellow – AUD 50,000 per six-month term plus superannuation, with two weeks of paid recreational leave and additional study leave per six months.
4. The centre must be able to provide a 12-month operative logbook for the previous fellow within the preceding 24 months and provide an opportunity to interview the previous fellow.
5. The centre must be able to attend selection meetings and participate in interviews.

The training centre must provide the following facilities and resources:

1. Computer facilities with IT support
2. Access to a private study area
3. A structured timetable
4. Opportunities for research

The trainee must have access to a range and volume of clinical and operative experience sufficient to enable the acquisition of the competencies required of a hand surgeon:

1. Supervised consultative ambulatory clinics in consultative practice – a minimum of one per week
2. Adequate caseload and case mix
3. Operative experience for trainees – on average, a minimum of three half-day operating lists per week

The fellowship must perform procedures in accredited hospitals or day surgery centres.

The final decision regarding accreditation of the training centre rests with the PFET Committee.

Overseas training centres may be considered for accreditation for 6–12 months, provided that these positions and centres satisfy the necessary criteria. Applications for accreditation of overseas fellowships must be submitted in writing to the PFET Committee at least six months prior to commencement of the term.

Australian or New Zealand fellowships that are not accredited PFET centres will not be recognised toward completion of the PFET training Program.

 

4.2.2 Designated Supervisor of Training

1. The institution must have two currently practising designated supervisors—or one per trainee, whichever is greater—who are AHSS Full Members, whose practice consists of at least 50% hand or peripheral nerve surgery, and who have a minimum of five years of post-fellowship experience.
2. For Australian positions, there must be a dedicated supervisor holding a FRACS in Orthopaedic Surgery or Plastic Surgery (or equivalent).
3. For positions outside Australia, the dedicated supervisor must hold the equivalent professional qualification and association membership in the country in which the position is located.
4. The trainee must have a minimum of 10 contact hours per week with appropriate supervisors (as defined above).
5. The dedicated supervisor must assume responsibility for the educational Program and supervision of the fellow and agree to comply with the PFET Program Regulations.

 

4.2.3 Accreditation of Training Centres

Following application, accreditation will be granted for up to five years, subject to an initial assessment and periodic review as required by the Hand Surgery PFET Committee or its representative(s), to confirm that the criteria outlined in Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 continue to be satisfied.

The PFET Committee reserves the right to withdraw PFET accreditation without notice.

 

4.3 Selection of Trainees

 

4.3.1 Eligibility

The applicant must:

1. Be awarded FRACS in Orthopaedic Surgery or Plastic Surgery prior to commencement of the PFET Program; or
2. Have completed the Australian Medical Council (AMC) specialist assessment process resulting in formal recognition as a specialist orthopaedic surgeon or plastic surgeon; and
3. Be an Australian citizen and be accredited by AHPRA to work in Australia as a specialist orthopaedic surgeon or plastic surgeon in a supervised fellowship position; and
4. Candidates who apply for training prior to attaining FRACS and who subsequently fail to pass the FRACS Fellowship must reapply to be considered for selection in the subsequent year.
5. Applications for PFET accreditation of a fellowship term during the Transition To Practice (TTP) year prior to obtaining FRACS in Orthopaedics will not be considered.

 

4.3.2 Application

Eligible Fellows must apply directly to the AHSS. Applications will be assessed by the Hand Surgery PFET Committee. A list of accredited positions is available on the AHSS website (www.ahss.org.au).

Applications close on 30 June each year for training positions commencing approximately 18 months later. For example, applications closing on 30 June 2026 will be considered for positions commencing in February 2028 or later.

Where a fellow has been offered a position directly by a centre with PFET accreditation, the Committee will not approve this period of training as contributing toward completion of the PFET training Program if the position is undertaken prior to the application date or within six months following the application date.

Where there are more eligible applicants than available training posts, the selection process will be competitive and candidates will be ranked. Ranking will be determined by applying the following weighting to the percentage-adjusted score (out of 100) obtained from three selection tools, providing an overall percentage score:

1. Curriculum vitae – 50%
2. Structured referee reports – 20%
3. Panel interview – 30%

 

4.4 Assessment of Trainees

The aim of the assessment process is to confirm that the objectives of the Hand Surgery PFET Program are met (Section 1), that the curriculum has been completed (Section 2), and that the criteria necessary for completion of the Program are satisfied (Section 3.2.1).

 

4.4.1 Learning and Teaching Processes

1. Tutorials and lectures – department based
2. Supervised outpatient care, assessment, and discussion
3. Supervised operative experience
4. Completion of a research project
   i. Adequate involvement must include either primary data collection or primary manuscript writing
   ii. The project must be a case series or higher level of study; case reports will not be accepted
   iii. A progress report must be submitted to the PFET Committee every six months, with an interview with research supervisors as required
5. Presentation at the ASM of the AHSS – this may be the aforementioned research project or an alternative presentation

 

4.4.2 Assessment Processes

1. Workplace assessments
   i. Knowledge-based assessment
   ii. Case-based discussion
   iii. Clinical evaluation exercises
   iv. Development of algorithms for complex management problems
   v. Direct observation of operating procedures
2. Preparation of lectures on designated topics within journal club
3. Exit assessment at completion of the Program

 

4.4.3 Three-monthly Supervisor Interview

1. Review of outpatient clinic and tutorial attendance and performance
2. Logbook assessment
3. Assessment of patient load – clinic and operating
4. Assessment of research project progress
5. Assessment of curriculum unit progress

 

4.4.4 Exit Assessment

1. Assessment of attainment of the criteria necessary for completion of the Program (refer to Section 3.2.1).
2. Formal exit interview of the PFET trainee by the Hand Surgery PFET Committee.

 

4.4.5 Trainee Assessment of Training Centre and PFET Program

This assessment must be completed and forwarded to the Hand Surgery PFET Committee prior to completion of the Program.

 

4.5 Cessation of Registration to the PFET Program

Registration to the PFET Program will cease if:

1. The fellow’s Program fees are not paid by the due date; or
2. The fellow’s AHPRA registration expires; or
3. The fellow requests in writing that PFET Program registration cease; or
4. A PFET training centre terminates the fellow’s employment; or
5. The fellow is found to have falsified a training document; or
6. The fellow fails to submit a required training document by the communicated due date; or
7. The fellow withdraws from a designated training position without the explicit approval of the Committee; or
8. The fellow is granted accreditation (completion) of the PFET Program.

SECTION 5: Special Circumstances

5.1 Interruption of Training

Applications to interrupt a PFET Program may be approved in a range of circumstances, including ill health and parenting. The Program must be completed within a total of four years.

5.1.1 Applications to interrupt training must be made in writing to the Committee. Applications must be submitted more than six months prior to the commencement of the next term, except in exceptional circumstances.

5.1.2 Any training undertaken during the interruption period will not contribute toward completion of the PFET Program.

5.1.3 There is no guarantee that candidate preferences for training positions can be maintained following an interruption.

5.1.4 Applications to interrupt training must be accompanied by a plan for completion of the required training duration.

5.1.5 Failure to submit an application for interruption that includes a feasible completion plan with adequate flexibility may result in suspension of candidature.

5.1.6 Failure to complete mandatory PFET requirements within four years will result in suspension of candidature.

5.1.7 Failure to complete a six-month rotation will result in that rotation not being counted toward completion of the PFET Program.

Illegal behaviour, or behaviour that does not align with the values of the AHSS, will constitute grounds for immediate dismissal from the PFET Program.

Training undertaken in TTP positions will only contribute toward the PFET Program if the position is a fellow role in a PFET-accredited institution and has been prospectively accredited.

 

5.2 Grievance Process

Any person adversely affected by a decision made by the Committee or a surgical supervisor may, within thirty (30) Business Days of being notified of the decision, submit a written grievance to the Chair to request that the decision be reviewed.

5.2.1 In submitting a written grievance, the person must include the grounds for the grievance or appeal, the remedy sought, and any relevant supporting documentation.

5.2.2 A written grievance will be considered by the Committee within twenty (20) Business Days of receipt.

5.2.3 The Committee will provide a written response affirming the previous decision, modifying the decision, or reversing the decision, with appropriate justification.

5.2.4 Where the Committee overturns or varies a decision, the reasoning must fall into one of the following categories and must be justified:

• That the decision was based on a mistake of fact or law; or
• That an error in due process occurred; or
• That the relevant policies or procedures were not observed; or
• That relevant and significant information was not appropriately considered in the decision; or
• That grounds for special consideration, as defined by the Committee, were established which justify the decision.

 

5.3 Appeal Process

Where a person adversely affected by a decision has submitted a written grievance and is dissatisfied with the Committee’s review, the person may submit a written appeal to the AHSS Executive in accordance with Clause 5.10.

5.3.1 Any person adversely affected by a decision who has submitted a written grievance in accordance with Clause 5.2 and remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the grievance process may, within twenty (20) Business Days of being notified of the grievance decision, submit a written appeal to the AHSS requesting a further review of the decision. This appeal process also applies to any trainee who has been dismissed and wishes to appeal the decision.

5.3.2 An appeal fee of AUD $5,000 (including GST) will be payable. This fee will be refunded if the final determination of the appeal panel overturns the original decision. Payment must be made at the time of submitting the appeal, and the appeal will not be considered to have been received until full payment has been made.

5.3.3 In submitting a written appeal, the applicant must include the grounds for the appeal, the remedy sought, and any relevant supporting documentation. The applicant bears the onus of proof to establish the grounds of the appeal. Any documentation not submitted with the appeal will not be considered subsequently.

5.3.4 The AHSS will convene an Appeal Panel. The panel will include two members of the AHSS who were not party to the original decision and one additional person who is not a member or employee of the AHSS and who was not involved in the original decision.

5.3.5 The Appeal Panel will convene an appeal hearing within thirty (30) Business Days of receipt of the written appeal and confirmation of payment.

5.3.6 The person submitting the appeal may nominate a support person to accompany them at any stage of the appeal process. The support person must not be a legal practitioner or barrister.

5.3.7 The Appeal Panel may receive written or oral submissions at any stage during the hearing, at its discretion.

5.3.8 The Appeal Panel will provide a written response affirming the previous decision, modifying the decision, or reversing the decision, with appropriate justification to both the Committee and the applicant. The appellant will be notified of the outcome of the appeal within two weeks of the hearing.

5.3.9 Where the Appeal Panel overturns or varies a decision, the reasoning must fall into one of the following categories and must be justified:

• That the decision was based on a mistake of fact or law; or
• That an error in due process occurred; or
• That the relevant policies or procedures were not observed; or
• That relevant and significant information was not appropriately considered in the decision; or
• That grounds for special consideration, as defined by the Committee, were established which justify the decision.

 

SECTION 6: Fee Structure

Fees will be reviewed annually and published on the AHSS website. Accreditation will not commence until payment of the appropriate fees has been received in full. Current fees are as follows:

6.1 Trainee Hand Surgery PFET Program Application Fee – $500
Non-refundable upon submission of the application; responsibility of the trainee.

6.2 Training Program Fee – AUD 1,500
Non-refundable upon acceptance as a PFET candidate and payable within seven (7) days of accepting an offer to join the AHSS Post Fellowship Education and Training (PFET) Programe; responsibility of the trainee.

6.3 Training Centre/Position – Assessment and Review Fee
Determined according to the costs generated by the assessment and review process; responsibility of the Australian Hand Surgery Society.

All funds are payable to the Australian Hand Surgery Society (AHSS). The AHSS will be responsible for funds raised by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) for PFET Program assessment and administration fees.

 

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Appendix 1 – Units to Cover Curriculum

 

I Injury

Unit 1: Fractures, Dislocations, and Carpal Instability

A. Fractures and dislocations

• Phalangeal
• Metacarpal
• Carpal
• Distal radius

B. Carpal instabilities

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Unit 2: Nerve and Tendon Injury

A. Nerve injury

• Peripheral nerve
• Adult brachial plexus
• Neonatal brachial plexus

B. Tendon injury

• Flexor tendon
• Extensor tendon

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Unit 3: Soft Tissue Cover and Vessel Injury

• Wound healing
• Skin grafts
• Local, regional, and distant flaps
• Free flaps
• Replantation and revascularisation
• Compartment syndrome / ischaemic contracture

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II Disease

Unit 4: Nerve Compression and Tendon Transfers

A. Nerve compression syndromes

B. Tendon transfers

• Nerve injury / compression
• Cerebral palsy
• Quadriplegia

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Unit 5: Arthritis

A. Rheumatoid arthritis

B. Degenerative arthritis

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Unit 6: General Hand Conditions

A. Common hand conditions

• Tumours
• Dupuytren’s disease
• Infection
• Connective tissue disorders
• Pain management

B. Congenital anomalies