Making the most of clinical fellowships – robotics, data science and artificial intelligence

The rapid advancement of surgical technologies, including robotics, data science and artificial intelligence (AI), has created a widening gap between the skills required by modern surgeons and the offerings of traditional training programmes. Historically, this gap led to the development of specialized clinical fellowships, which have now become essential for surgeons seeking to master these emerging technologies. Robotic surgery and AI demand new competencies, yet these are not fully integrated into current surgical curricula. Fellowships in robotic surgery and digital health offer structured, hands-on training, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Integration of AI with robotics has shown significant promise in improving intraoperative performance and surgical education. Digital fellowships, such as the Topol Digital Fellowship and NHS Clinical AI Fellowship, focus on developing leadership in digital transformation within healthcare, equipping surgeons with skills in data analysis, machine learning, and AI applications. As surgery becomes increasingly intertwined with data science and AI, these fellowships are not only addressing current educational gaps but also paving the way for a technologically adept surgical workforce, capable of leveraging advanced technologies to enhance patient care.