From 2011, the department has been recognized by the Association of Spine Surgeons of India as a training centre for spine surgery long term fellowship of ASSI. This is a two-year course and opens to both orthopaedic and neurosurgical postgraduates. In Ganga Hospital, one candidate is selected per year. The fellows are selected by an interview conducted during the Annual Spine Surgeons of India Conference (ASSICON) every year. Fellowship Commitments : The fellow works along with the FNB trainees in the out-patient clinics, ward and theatre. The two-year fellowship provides extensive exposure to clinical problems and ample opportunities for surgical training. The fellows have clinical and research activities along with the responsibility of maintaining accurate and systematic documentation of clinical cases. Hands-on surgical training is offered under supervision and guidance. They also have ample opportunities to participate in the surgical procedures of nearly 2000 patients per year. The type of surgeries range from the simple to the most complex and includes both orthopaedic and neurosurgical cases. The rich clinical material also provides adequate opportunities for active research work and international publications. A long term research project should be completed by the fellow and submitted a dissertation at the end of two years. Apart from this, short projects can be completed and presented as conference presentation and journal publications. Course Completion : At the end o two year tenure, an exit exam will be conducted to assess the candidate based on which a certificate of completion will be provided. Among all the attending candidates of the final exit exam, the best candidate will be awarded a short term 1-month observer fellowship in the United States. How to apply? The applications are called for during the month of November to December. For exact details regarding the eligibility and application formalities, please visit www.assi.in. The selection of a particular centre is based on centralised counselling.