Description

Proposed Term:
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
(Alternative start: July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2029)

Live and work in Australia while gaining expertise in guideline development, conducting highquality systematic reviews, earning a higher degree, strengthening your academic portfolio, and collaborating with international surgical leaders.

Applications are open to North American, Australian, and other international applicants affiliated with SAGES, including residents or preliminary residents in an ACGMEaccredited training program, a RACS training program, or other internationally equivalent training.

Primary Role
This fellowship has two primary components:

1. Guideline Development (SAGES)

The fellow will contribute to the development of clinical practice guidelines for surgeons under the auspices of the Guidelines Committee of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

2. Higher Degree by Research (Adelaide University)

The fellow will complete a higher degree in Surgery (Masters by Research) through Adelaide University, under the supervision of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

For overseas applicants, the fellowship requires residence in Adelaide, Australia, for the duration of the program. The successful candidate will be supported in enrolling in the higher degree program.

Qualifications
Minimum Education

MD or MBBS degree

Training Status

For U.S.-based candidates (or similar systems): Active employment in a residency or preliminary residency in an ACGMEaccredited program.

For nonU.S. candidates: Active employment as an intern, resident medical officer (RMO), unaccredited registrar, or accredited registrar.

Preferred Experience

Prior experience with systematic reviews or evidence synthesis is beneficial but not required.

Required Skills

        Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

        Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain detailed records

        Ability to learn new methodologies and software tools quickly

        Leadership skills and ability to lead groups of trainees and surgeons

        Experience critically appraising medical literature (preferred)

        Excellent written and verbal communication skills for academic work

The successful applicant must become a member of SAGES prior to commencing the fellowship.

Level of Decision Making and Autonomy
        The fellow will work under the mentorship of SAGES and RACS/Adelaide University

        Gradually assume greater responsibility in the guideline development process

        Lead components of guideline development, such as evidence synthesis, evidence table development, and panel coordination

        Work closely with the SAGES Guidelines Committee, including the methodologist, statistician, librarian, and coordinator

        Demonstrate initiative in developing research ideas and progressing thesis projects while seeking mentorship when needed

        Conduct research and complete a thesis under academic supervision

Requirements

How to Apply
Please email sarah@sages.org with the following materials:

1.      Curriculum Vitae (including education and training history)

2.      Description of any prior guideline development or systematic review experience

3.      Brief statement of interest explaining reasons for applying

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
SAGES Responsibilities
        Define guideline key questions

        Assist in development of literature search strategies with librarians

        Lead and participate in systematic reviews, including title/abstract screening, fulltext review, data extraction, and riskofbias assessment using Covidence

        Create evidence maps and data extraction tables

        Ensure quality and methodological rigor of guideline work

        Prepare datasets for statistical analysis and collaborate with the statistician

        Conduct metaanalyses using RevMan

        Develop evidence tables using GRADEpro

        Apply GRADE EvidencetoDecision frameworks

        Facilitate and moderate expert panel discussions

        Mentor trainees involved in guideline development

        Lead or support guideline working groups

        Produce highimpact guideline publications

        Participate in regular meetings with the SAGES Guidelines Committee

        Develop collaborations with other guideline organizations

        Identify opportunities to improve guideline dissemination and implementation

        Teach a course on systematic review methodology for new trainees

        Participate in biweekly meetings with the Guidelines Committee Chair and other team members

RACS / University of Adelaide Responsibilities
        Enroll in and complete a Masters degree by research at Adelaide University

        Develop a thesis related to surgical guideline methodology or evidence synthesis

        Produce 3–5 peerreviewed publications (some may include guideline publications, but at least 1–3 should be independent research outputs)

        Present research at national or international conferences, including the Surgical Research Society of Australasia annual meeting

        Identify opportunities for collaboration between SAGES and RACS

        Participate in regular meetings with Australian supervisors

Time Commitment
40 hours per week