Advanced DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Fellowship

About the Fellowship

A/Prof Dusseldorp’s practice is one of the highest-volume DIEP flap programs in Australia and arguably the world, performing over 170 DIEP flap procedures annually. He also leads more than 40 clinical studies, seeking to continuously improve outcomes for patients. This fellowship provides an exceptional platform for training advanced microsurgical skills, improving clinical decision-making and expanding what’s possible for women facing mastectomy, whether as part of their cancer treatment or prophylactically due to elevated genetic or family risk.

The fellowship is designed for surgeons who want to develop genuine subspecialty expertise and are ready to contribute to an active research program. It is expected that fellows already have significant clinical skills in breast reconstruction and as such this fellowship is not designed to teach basic microsurgical skills. Rather, the focus will be on advanced skills in areas such as: decision-making regarding ideal DIEP flap perforator selection, abdominal motor nerve preservation, sensory reconstruction of the breast and robotic DIEP flap harvest. There will also be a significant focus on aesthetic optimisation of the breasts and abdomen.

The fellowship position is based in private-practice, and as such there is no expectation of emergency or on-call responsibilities. It is expected that fellows will make themselves available for short weekend patient rounds as required, and we encourage fellows to consider accommodation within a short distance of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital.

The Fellowship is built around:

•  Graduated, trust-based responsibility. Fellows build skill in autologous breast reconstruction in sequence, from vessel harvest and preparation, through the microsurgical anastomoses, to the most nuanced work of shaping the flap, taking on more active involvement as their skills grow.

•  The full case spectrum. Fellows are exposed to unilateral and bilateral cases, delayed and immediate DIEP and PAP flaps, prophylactic cases, and revision and second-stage surgery. A/Prof Dusseldorp also performs reconstructive surgery such as abdominoplasty, breast reduction, otoplasty and microtia reconstruction. Outpatient exposure will also be encouraged throughout the Fellowship.

•  A real research focus. The unit runs a prospective database and many active projects studying how to reduce complications and what drives aesthetic outcomes, an area A/Prof Dusseldorp considers underserved in the literature. Fellows work at a senior level in the research program and are encouraged to pursue one research project suited to their own future practice.

Eligibility

AUSTRALIAN GRADUATES

Recently qualified plastic surgeons

Full Australian medical registration (AHPRA)

FRACS (Plast) or equivalent

International applicants make up a significant proportion of our fellows. Temporary registration is a multi-step process that takes up to a year, so we encourage international surgeons to begin researching the pathway well before applying — see “Researching your pathway” below.

Applying for the May 2028 intake

We run a single, structured selection round for each intake. Our next available start date is Monday 1 May 2028. A/Prof Dusseldorp will consider 12 month, 9 month or 6 month fellowships, depending on your current skill level and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

01   Register your interest

Download the registration checklist and follow the instructions to apply for the May 2028 fellowship. Send all requested information to us by Monday 21 December 2026.

02   Visit as an observer

A short observership is the best way to you to experience the unit and meet A/Prof Dusseldorp. This step is recommended but not required - see below for details.

03   Shortlisting

Candidates will be reviewed and shortlisted by A/Prof Dusseldorp based on your submitted information. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email in early 2027. You may be asked to submit further information and participate in an online interview with A/Prof Dusseldorp during February/March 2027.

04   Final selection

Our goal is to confirm the selected candidate before 1 May 2027, allowing 12 months for the necessary registration process to be completed.

05   Registration

We will support the selected candidate through the registration process. Most of the steps must be performed by the fellow, however we are available to guide you. We also put you in touch with past fellows and encourage you to seek their insights. Please note that the process can vary depending on the country of your surgical training.

Researching your Pathway

Registration and visa — start here

Medical registration and visa are the applicant's responsibility. For internationally trained surgeons this is a substantial, multi-step process, so it is worth looking into early. In practice the RACS specialist assessment is the more involved step, and its outcome guides the AHPRA registration that follows. These are the best starting points for your research:

Medical Board of Australia — IMG self-assessment

A short self-assessment that shows which registration pathway applies to you.

https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates.aspx

AHPRA — Information for international practitioners

The broader overview of registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/International-practitioners.aspx

RACS — Specialist International Medical Graduate (SIMG) assessment

Where your specialist qualifications are assessed for comparability to the Australian standard.

https://www.surgeons.org

Department of Home Affairs — Training visa (subclass 407)

The visa most relevant to a training fellowship, where sponsorship applies.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/training-407

Visit as an Observer - recommended, not required

Spending time with A/Prof Dusseldorp as an observer is the clearest way to understand whether this kind of focused, high-commitment training is the right fit. Most of our past fellows visited the unit before being appointed, and while we recommend it, this is not a requirement of applying.

A one to two week visit lets you see the work first-hand and get a feel for the pace and standards of the unit. Observerships can be arranged throughout the year, subject to theatre scheduling. If you would like to visit, mention it when you register your interest.

We also accept requests to observe from surgeons and students who are not applying for the fellowship - contact us about this option and please include your CV and your desired dates.

Q & A

Can I apply for an earlier position?

Our earlier positions are filled and A/Prof Dusseldorp only takes one fellow at a time. The next available intake begins on 3 May 2028. If a last minute position unexpectedly opens up, we may email the list of surgeons who have previously expressed interest in a fellowship, but it is likely that only those with existing AHPRA accreditation will be able to meet any last-minute timeframes.

Do I have to visit as an Observer to be considered for the fellowship?

No. This is something we strongly recommend, and every past fellow has previously been an observer, but it is not a requirement of applying.

Is this a paid fellowship?

The position is based in private practice under a formal employment arrangement. Remuneration involves a fixed salary paid fortnightly, and details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

I emailed before and didn't hear back. Should I apply again?

We have recently consolidated all fellowship correspondence through this site and encourage you to apply again if you are interested in this fellowship.

I am interested in a fellowship in 2029 or beyond. Can I express interest now?

We encourage you to return to this page regularly for updates. You can ask to be placed on our mailing list for future fellowships by emailing us. We also encourage you to consider visiting as an observer.

What if I just have general questions about fellowships, visiting as an observer, or opportunities for students?

You can email us with your questions but please be aware that, due to the volume of enquiries received, applications for the current fellowship take precedent. We endeavour to reply to all other emails within one month.