University of Nairobi

What you'll study

The programme is a comprehensive surgical residency combining taught coursework, hands-on clinical attachments and a supervised research project. Training covers the full breadth of orthopaedic practice with progressive responsibility in both elective and emergency care.

• Core clinical rotations: trauma and fracture care, paediatric orthopaedics, spine surgery, joint replacement and arthroplasty, hand and microsurgery, foot and ankle, tumour and tumour-like lesions.
• Clinical skills and operative training: supervised theatre lists, on-call responsibilities, outpatient clinics, casting and closed reduction techniques, external fixation and internal fixation methods.
• Supportive disciplines: orthopaedic radiology, musculoskeletal infection management, rehabilitation and physiotherapy principles, anaesthesia for orthopaedics, biomechanics and implant technology.
• Academic components: research methods and statistics, critical appraisal of literature, morbidity and mortality review, teaching skills and preparation for specialist examinations (part examinations and final clinical assessments).
• Research project: a supervised dissertation or thesis based on original clinical or translational research relevant to orthopaedic practice in the region.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to be medically qualified doctors with clinical experience and professional registration. Typical entry requirements include:

• Primary medical qualification: MBChB or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Professional registration: full registration with the relevant medical and dental council in the candidate's country and evidence of completed internship/housemanship.
• Clinical experience: at least one to two years of post-internship clinical experience is normally required; evidence of surgical exposure is advantageous.
• Selection process: shortlisting on academic and clinical merit, interview by the department and assessment of references. Successful applicants must meet any institutional health and immunisation requirements and demonstrate fitness for prolonged clinical duties.
• Additional requirements: candidates may be required to fulfil language proficiency where applicable and to provide a research proposal or statement of intent for the dissertation component.

Career prospects

Graduates emerge qualified to practise as specialist orthopaedic surgeons in tertiary, regional and private hospitals. The programme prepares surgeons for a variety of career paths:

• Clinical practice: consultant/attending orthopaedic surgeon roles in public referral hospitals, regional hospitals and private practice.
• Subspecialisation: opportunities to pursue fellowships or additional training in arthroplasty, spine, paediatric orthopaedics, trauma, hand surgery, sports medicine or tumour surgery.
• Academic and teaching roles: positions in medical schools and teaching hospitals involving undergraduate and postgraduate education and supervision.
• Research and public health: involvement in clinical research, outcome studies, injury prevention programmes and policy advising on musculoskeletal health.
• Non-clinical roles: medico-legal consultancy, roles with NGOs and international health organisations, and collaboration with medical device and implant industry partners.

Why study at University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi offers specialist surgical training embedded in a high-volume referral environment. The programme benefits from clinical affiliation with major teaching hospitals where trainees encounter a broad case mix and high operative exposure.

• Teaching hospitals and caseload: access to regional referral centres that provide diverse trauma and elective orthopaedic cases, ensuring practical operative experience.
• Experienced faculty: supervision by academically active consultant orthopaedic surgeons with experience in teaching, research and specialist service delivery.
• Research and resources: structured research supervision, access to clinical laboratories and library resources, and engagement with regional orthopaedic research priorities.
• Professional links: connections with regional surgical colleges and professional bodies that support certification, continuing professional development and fellowship opportunities.
• Multidisciplinary training: collaboration with physiotherapy, radiology, anaesthesia and rehabilitation services to develop well-rounded specialists prepared for both clinical leadership and community-oriented practice.