Robotic Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
- Leadership
Summary
-
Grant:
€12,000
- Location:
Paris, Pisa, London
- Duration:
2 months
- Start Date:
From January 2025
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship program will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to acquire both theoretical and practical skills on robotic thoracic surgery.
This fellowship includes simulations, integrated system training, and live procedure-observation using the latest robotic systems. If appropriate, the fellowship will start with simulation training at dedicated centres with exposure to wetlab facilities (cadaver, pig model, kind heart).
The fellowship will include two 3-week stays in high-volume robotic centres (situated in Paris, Pisa or London) for in depth exposure and experience in basic and complex procedures. The participants will all be able to master basic techniques and train in simulation environment (level 1 and 2) and will be introduced to level 3. Contacts with proctors can ensure a continuous learning and implementation of techniques afterwards.
The training is based on didactic lectures, videos, surgery observation and hands-on animal laboratory sessions exposing the fellow to virtual training simulation programme in addition to the various aspects of the evaluation, multi-disciplinary treatment, surgical techniques and post-operative care of patients with thoracic diseases mainly lung cancer and thymoma.
Learning Objectives
Objectives will be tailored to the successful fellow’s prior experience.
Basic Level
- Understand basic features and potential benefits of robotic surgical system
- Understand the application of various instruments
- Demonstrate the techniques of thoracic suturing and knot tying using robotic simulation
Advanced Level
- Patient indications and selection
- Anatomical reference
- Patient preparation, surgical positioning, port placement and instrumentation applications
Specific Learning Objectives
- To become familiar with the function, ergonomics and operation of the robotic surgical system, dealing with hands, feet, camera and energy application.
- Understand patient selection, surgical techniques, indications and limitations.
- To understand the importance of patient position and surgical team position in operative planning.
- Surgical approaches and docking of the robot.
- Apply the principles in order to be a safe and efficient robotic surgeon.
- Implement a step-by-step approach to surgical procedures.
- Strategy to deal with unexpected scenarios including complications and emergency de-docking.
Funding
To help with simulation training, living and travel costs associated with this Fellowship, we offer a grant of €12,000. EACTS will also provide a bursary towards the cost of your attendance at the 2025 EACTS Annual Meeting.
Application and Selection
In order to apply for this fellowship there are some essential criteria you must meet:
- Be an EACTS member with up-to-date membership payment
- Be a senior resident/Fellow in a thoracic unit or a young junior surgeon working at a hospital which performs robotic surgery
- Be fluent in English
Applicants who possess the following desirable criteria would be of particular interest:
- Previous experience in robotic thoracic surgery
- Possibility of applying the knowledge and abilities acquired during the fellowship in home practice
In order to complete your application, you must submit the following documents*:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (including a list of pertinent publications and presentations)
- Letter of interest detailing the way in which you meet the above application criteria, along with your career aspirations, as well as how you believe the Fellowship will impact your career.
- Letter of support from head of training/department or local director of the robotic thoracic surgery program
- Operative logbook listing robotic surgery experience (includes cases as primary surgeon and/or patient side surgeon)
The selected trainee is expected to have acquired an adequate amount of knowledge for the competent practice of general thoracic surgery.
*Please ensure that all documents submitted are written in English, and that they are submitted either as word documents or PDF. We do not accept images or handwritten applications. We are unable to provide advice or guidance about visa applications, so please ensure that you understand the visa requirements before applying for this Fellowship.
Evaluation and Feedback
Feedback will be given according to the simulation hours and level achieved. After each month, a structured evaluation of activities with determination of training goals for the next month will be produced.
At the end of the Fellowship, the Fellows will produce a full report on their experience based on the Francis Fontan Fund Committee guidelines.
Terms and Conditions
- You cannot apply for more than one fellowship in a single year.
- You cannot apply for a fellowship if you have been awarded one in the last two years.
- If you do not submit all requested documents your application will not be reviewed.
- If you do not follow the application guidelines (document format, essential criteria etc) your application will not be reviewed.
- If you submit any false information your application will be immediately void (regardless of application stage).
- Once your fellowship start date is confirmed, 80% of the fellowship grant will be transferred to you.
- On completion of the fellowship and receipt of your final report, the remaining 20% of the fellowship grant will be transferred to you.
- Should your fellowship include third party fees, EACTS will pay this directly from your initial 80% grant payment, with the remaining balance being transferred to you.
- If for any reason you find you are unable to complete or attend training, you should notify EACTS at your earliest convenience. If the grant payment has already been made, you will be asked to repay the monies received based on incurred costs to date. Proof of expenses will be required.
The Francis Fontan Fellowship programme fosters the continued growth and development of cardiothoracic surgeons by providing opportunities to learn from the highest standards of cardiothoracic care and gain knowledge of novel techniques and innovative technologies used by other institutes around the world. Successful applicants will use the valuable learnings and collaborative relationships developed through their Fellowship to further the progress of cardiothoracic surgery at their home institution and support the delivery of the highest quality patient care.
- The fellowship needs to be completed within the year that it was awarded.
- Awardees need to be in full time employment throughout the fellowship.
NB. The Francis Fontan Fund Committee will consider any fellow who falls outside of this condition on a case-by-case basis. All decisions are final, and the Committee are not obliged to share the reasoning behind any decision made.
- Location: