[londonortho]

I am an American citizen in an orthopaedic surgery residency at a competitive program. Due to possible family circumstances, there is a chance I will want to do a year of clinical "fellowship" and research in London, UK. This will likely be after my completion of PGY2, 3, or 4. I know there is a large discrepancy in the knowledge and skill base between these levels of training.

First, I am unclear about the approximate equivalent between UK and US medical training. Is SpR 4 similar to PGY4? To clarify, I have finished medical school in the US. I am in my residency. The orthopaedic surgery residency is 5 years total, including 1 year of internship (including various general surgery, ICU, 3 months of ortho, 1 month ortho radiology) and 4 years of ortho only.

Second, how should I go about finding a private based fellowship in London as a equivalent PGY 3 or 4? Have you seen/heard of such arrangements? I have excellent credentials and research experience. I am willing to purchase my own insurance and cover a good bit of the living expenses, however, I would need to be paid at least some small stipend. I do not think I will have the time to pass UK exams and get a non-private position (unless you recommend trying). I am not looking to practice in the UK, only pick up surgical tips (I would definately want to operate) and perhaps complete some research.

Thanks for your thoughts on where to look and how to convert UK medical training into US medical training (roughly).