Leicester Knee Fellowship
The Leicester Knee Fellowship offers a comprehensive, high-volume experience in complex knee surgery, combining advanced soft tissue reconstruction, sports knee surgery, and knee arthroplasty. Based in Leicester, the fellowship provides a uniquely balanced and immersive subspecialty training experience across the NHS.
The programme is delivered within University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, one of the largest and busiest orthopaedic centres in the UK, providing fellows with exposure to a high-volume, diverse, and complex case mix.
Faculty
The fellowship is delivered by the specialist knee unit at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, comprising a group of experienced consultant knee surgeons with expertise across both soft tissue and arthroplasty practice.
The fellowship is delivered by:
- Mr Steve Godsiff
- Mr Colin Elser
- Mr Urjit Chatterji
- Mr Tawfiq Korim
- Mr Arijit Ghosh
- Mr Amit Bishnoi
- Mr Randeep Aujla
Fellows work closely with multiple consultants, benefiting from:
- Exposure to different surgical techniques and philosophies
- Close mentorship and structured supervision
- A collaborative and supportive teaching environment
This multi-consultant model is a key strength of the fellowship, allowing fellows to develop a broad, adaptable, and consultant-ready skillset.
Fellowship Structure
A key strength of the Leicester Knee Fellowship is its dual-focus structure, typically divided into:
- Soft Tissue / Sports Knee Surgery (6 months)
- Complex Arthroplasty and Revision Knee Surgery (6 months)
This ensures fellows gain expertise across the full spectrum of knee surgery - from ligament reconstruction and joint preservation to complex primary and revision arthroplasty.
The fellowship is flexible and can be tailored to suit individual career goals.
Fellowship Experience
Fellows gain exposure to a wide range of procedures, including:
- Primary and Revision ACL Reconstruction (including hamstring, quadriceps and patella tendon grafts)
- PCL and Multi-ligament Knee Reconstruction
- Complex Meniscal Surgery (repair, root repair, transplantation)
- Cartilage Restoration (OATS, fixation, biological techniques)
- Patellofemoral Stabilisation (MPFL reconstruction, tibial tubercle transfer)
- Osteotomy and Joint Preservation (HTO, DFO, derotational)
- Paediatric knee
- Primary Knee Arthroplasty (TKA and UKA)
- Revision Knee Arthroplasty (including complex and infected cases)
- Trauma
Fellows are regularly involved in complex and combined procedures, enhancing both technical and decision-making skills.
Clinical and Surgical Training
This fellowship is designed for post-CCT surgeons preparing for independent consultant practice.
Key features include:
- High operative volume (typically 300 - 400 procedures)
- High level of independence, with most cases performed as primary surgeon
- Early access to independent operating lists
- Opportunity to supervise and teach junior trainees
The programme is structured to enable rapid progression to safe, confident independent operating.
Case Volume and Outcomes
The Leicester Knee Fellowship is defined by its volume, diversity, and level of independence.
Recent fellows have reported:
- Up to 300+ procedures over 12 months
- 75 - 90% of cases performed as primary surgeon
- Early experience of independent operating
- Broad exposure across soft tissue and arthroplasty practice
This includes:
- Ligament reconstruction (primary, revision, multi-ligament)
- Meniscal and cartilage surgery
- Osteotomy and joint preservation
- Primary and revision knee arthroplasty
- Complex combined procedures
Multidisciplinary Experience
Fellows actively participate in:
- Regional MDT meetings for complex soft tissue and revision cases
- Preoperative planning and case discussions
- Longitudinal patient care from clinic to follow-up
This ensures development of consultant-level clinical judgement.
Academic, Research and Teaching Opportunities
Fellows are encouraged to engage in academic and educational activity, including:
- Participation in research meetings and ongoing projects
- Contribution to audits, quality improvement, and publications
- Presentations at regional and national meetings
- Teaching of registrars and medical students
- Involvement in FRCS preparation and regional training
Training Environment
The Leicester Knee Fellowship offers a supportive, high-performance training environment within a major UK orthopaedic centre.
- Strong mentorship from experienced faculty
- Flexible rota balancing clinical and academic commitments
- Early responsibility with appropriate supervision
- Emphasis on developing both technical excellence and professional confidence
- Individualised training to allow personal growth
Requirements / Criteria
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Completion or near completion of recognised orthopaedic training (FRCS or equivalent)
- Strong foundation in arthroscopic knee surgery
- Ability to perform primary arthroplasty independently
- Demonstrated interest in sports knee surgery and/or arthroplasty
- Motivation to develop advanced surgical skills
- Eligibility for registration with the General Medical Council
Fellowship Outcomes
By completion of the fellowship, fellows will have:
- Developed confident independent operating skills
- Gained experience managing complex knee pathology
- Refined surgical decision-making and planning
- Built the confidence required for transition to consultant practice
Many fellows progress directly into substantive consultant posts.
Duration and Start Dates
- Duration: 6 - 12 months
- Commencement: February and August
Fellow Testimonials
“The volume, complexity, and early independence made this a truly transformative fellowship.”
“I completed nearly 300 cases with a high proportion as primary surgeon, gaining confidence for consultant practice.”
“The balance of soft tissue and arthroplasty training is unique and invaluable.”
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL)
The fellowship is based within the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, one of the largest and busiest acute teaching hospital systems in England, employing approximately 18,000 staff. UHL serves over 1.1 million residents across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, providing a wide range of specialist services both locally and regionally.
The Trust comprises Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI), Leicester General Hospital (LGH), and Glenfield Hospital (GGH), with close links to community hospitals. Elective orthopaedic surgery is primarily performed at LGH, supported by specialist nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and multidisciplinary teams. Trauma and paediatric orthopaedics are based at LRI, part of the East Midlands Trauma Network, with high case volumes of around 1,000 knee arthroplasties, 800 total hip replacements, and 3,500 trauma operations annually. The Trust emphasizes mentorship, staff development, and research, creating an ideal environment for independent surgical experience and professional growth.
University of Leicester - College of Life Sciences
The University of Leicester, in partnership with UHL, provides a strong academic foundation for the fellowship. The College of Life Sciences is recognized internationally for research excellence in clinical medicine, sports and exercise sciences, and biomedical disciplines. Fellows benefit from access to world-class research facilities, collaborative projects, and educational programmes that integrate clinical practice with research and innovation.
The University promotes a research-inspired education model, offering discovery-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses, early clinical exposure, intercalated degrees, and international collaborations. This academic environment complements the clinical experience, enabling fellows to engage in high-quality research, quality improvement projects, and teaching initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy within the department.
Living and Working in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland
The region offers an excellent quality of life, combining a modern, vibrant city with charming rural areas. Leicester city features shopping centres, a rich cultural scene with festivals such as Diwali, music and theatre venues, and a diverse culinary landscape. Sporting enthusiasts can enjoy professional teams including Leicester City FC, Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and Leicester Riders Basketball.
The surrounding countryside provides outdoor recreation, including walking and cycling trails, Bradgate Park, Charnwood Forest, and Rutland Water. Excellent transport links ensure easy travel across the UK and internationally, making Leicester an ideal location for both professional development and personal enjoyment.
Coming Soon