EXPERIENCES

1)ORTHOPAEDIC SUB SPECIALITIES FELLOWSHIP IN THE
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, MALAYSIA.

The objectives of the Orthopaedic Sub Speciality Training Programme are: -

1. To produce competent and safe Orthopaedic & Traumatology sub specialists
capable of independent practice.
2. To further improve the quality and standards of Orthopaedics & Traumatology in
the country.
3. To enhance and make accessible the delivery of high quality Orthopaedics &
Traumatology care to the public.

Areas of Training
1. General Orthopaedics and Advance Musculoskeletal Traumatology
2. Spinal Surgery
3. Joint Arthroplasty
4. Hand and Microsurgery
5. Sport Injuries and Arthroscopy
6. Pediatric Orthopaedics
7. Orthopaedic Oncology

DURATION OF TRAINING

Total duration of training is 4 years, which is divided into 2 parts. Entry into the 2nd
part is only possible after successful completion of the 1st part and the candidate passed the required assessment.

1st Part (1st & 2nd years) – In house training, preferably with rotation to different centers
under different trainers. Part of this training can be done in
local Universities.

2nd Part (3rd & 4th years) – The candidate works in partial independence and is supervised
by his/her mentor from time to time. Part of this training can
be done in recognized oversea centers, preferably during the
3rd year.

TRAINING CENTERS

1st Part of training - in house training
Regional centers to be maintained as the hub of training because of their established
supporting services; allied departments; and teaching facilities. Such centers also have a
high patient volume turnover with a good yield of operative and non-operative cases.
From here the trainees can be rotated and networked to other centers, attend short courses
and attachments.

2nd Part of training – partial independence
In any General Hospitals or DGH with specialists which is able to support the sub
speciality. Trainees can attend short courses and attachments. Trainers must visit and
supervise / audit the trainee’s work at least 4 times a year if not working in the same
hospital. Part of this 2nd part training can be done in recognized oversea centers
preferably during the 3rd year.

Overseas Training
To be undertaken preferably during the 3rd year of training. Application for scholarships,
bursaries, paid leaves or other forms of aid to be done early. The respective sub specialty
training committee will attempt to procure a suitable overseas training center for the
trainee.
It should be noted here that this Fellowship is not tied to any form of Scholarship /
Bursary / Paid Leaves or Sabbaticals. But the reverse applies, one has to be in the
Fellowship to qualify for the scholarship.
However, every effort will still be made to obtain scholarships and other forms of
financial support for the candidates to enable them to attend overseas training.
Unfortunately, such scholarships are very limited; hence not all candidates will be
successful in obtaining a scholarship for overseas training. Joining this Fellowship
is not a guarantee to overseas training.

CERTIFICATION
After having satisfied all the requirements of the training programme, the trainee will be
recommended to the Orthopaedic Sub Speciality Training Committee by their respective
Sub Specialties and peers for the purpose of certification. The certificate of successful
completion of sub specialty training will be issued by The Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

RE-CERTIFICATION
Successful candidates are subjected to re-certification every few years and their work
audited according to the rules and regulations set up by the National Credentialing
Committee.

ACHIEVEMENT

2)Associate Professor Dr. Robert Penafort

Associate Professor Dr. Robert Penafort

MBBS Masters in Surgery

Clinical Associate Professor – Orthopedic Surgery

Dr Penafort did his undergraduate studies at Trivandrum Medical College in India and graduated with an MBBS degree in 1990. After working as a house officer in University Hospital, he served as a Medical Officer in Sarawak for three years before commencing his post graduate training in University Malaya Medical Center in 1994. He graduated with a Masters in Orthopedic Surgery in 1998 was awarded the Subramaniam Gold Medal for being the top student. Subsequent to this he served as a Orthopedic Specialist in Hospital Kuala Lumpur from 1998 to 2000. In the year 2000 he joined the University Malaya Medical Center as a lecture in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery where he served until the year 2004. Since 2004, he has been a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon in Damansara Specialist Hospital. Dr Penafort has a special interest in pediatric orthopedic surgery and also adult and pediatric orthopedic trauma. He has also attended various fellowships around the world. Among them were Australian Orthopedic Assoication-S&N Fellow 1999, Illizarov Fellowship Kurgan 2003, Japanese Pediatric Orthopedic Fellow 2002 and British Orthopedic Assoication-ASEAN Fellow 2005. He has also been very active in the Malaysian Orthopedic Association for the past seven years and has served in different posts over the years. He is at present the President of the Malaysian Orthopedic Association. He has a very keen interest in teaching.