Thoracic & Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship

Summary

• Grant: €11,350
• Location: Shanghai Chest Hospital, China
• Duration: 12 months, although applications for a shorter fellowship (minimum of 6 months) will be considered.

This Fellowship will provide the successful candidate with an in-depth understanding of cardiothoracic surgical outcomes with one of the world’s leading quality improvement teams.

Introduction

The Thoracic & Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship aims to provide an unprecedented opportunity for young thoracic surgeons to improve their understanding of diagnosis and treatment in thoracic oncology, and to master state-of-the-art skills in surgical management focusing on minimally invasive approaches at the Shanghai Chest Hospital, a super-high-volume centre in Shanghai. Training items can be tailored to the need of the fellow, depending on their practice at home countries and their previous experience in thoracic surgery.

Participation in clinical trials under the guidance of mentors is encouraged for the fellows to learn the principles and methods of study design, execution, data analysis, results presentation, and paper writing.

Fellowship Overview

This fellowship, of up to 12-months, will take place at the Shanghai Chest Hospital, China

The selected Fellow will get full exposure to the following:

• Basic VATS skill training at the simulation centre.
• Scrub in as cameraman and first assistant.
• Wet lab training for lobectomies (thymectomy, esophagectomy).
• How to do a standard lobectomy and segmentectomy (thymectomy, esophagectomy).
• Principles and skills in lymph node dissection under VATS.
• How to cope with unexpected situations during VATS procedures.
• Journal club and MDT conferences.
• Clinical research group meetings.

Activity	Description	Suggested Duration
Observation	To learn the protocols for thoracic surgery at SCH.	1-2 months
Training in VATS procedures	These would include VATS pulmonary resections, mediastinal procedures, and esophagectomies, tailored to the need of the fellow.	10 months
Clinical research	Participating in ongoing clinical trials at SCH. Or IIT according to the fellow’s interest.	1-2 months, to run concurrently

 

Specific Learning Objectives

• Understanding of modern principles in decision making on surgical indication, resection extent, and lymph node dissection for lung cancers (thymic tumors, esophageal cancers, etc.).
• Mastering necessary skills in minimally invasive lobectomy, segmentectomy, and lymph node dissection for early-stage lung cancers (thymectomy, esophagectomy, etc.).
• Getting to know basic ideas in clinical study design, data analysis, and manuscript writing.

General Learning Objectives

• Improved understanding of modern principles in diagnosis and treatment in thoracic oncology, including lung cancers, mediastinal tumours, and esophageal diseases.
• Building competency in independently performing thoracic procedures, focusing on skills for minimally invasive approaches.
• Mastering basic knowledge in clinical studies related to thoracic surgery.

Funding
This Fellowship includes a generous financial contribution of €11,350 towards living and travel costs.
In addition, EACTS will provide a bursary towards the cost of your attendance at the 2024 EACTS Annual Meeting.

Application and selection criteria

Eligibility criteria

In order to apply for this fellowship, you must:

• Be an EACTS member
• Last year or stage of training, or within the first four years of independent practice.
• Formal medical education and a medical license in the home country.
• Basic training in open thoracic procedures and peri-operative management would be a pre-requisite.
• Be Fluent in English – English language proficiency in conversation and writing is necessary to ensure adequate training by English-speaking mentors at SCH.

The following documents must be provided as part of your application:

• Letter of interest detailing the way in which you meet the above application criteria, along with your career aspirations and how you believe the Fellowship will impact your career.
• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications.
• Summary of operative experience in Thoracic surgery.
• Residency in a formal general thoracic/cardiothoracic training programmes in a recognised center.
• Letter of support from a current supervisor.

Application Guidance

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

The Fellow will be expected to maintain an operative logbook. A learning agreement to be completed by Fellow and mentor at the commencement of the Fellowship, to encompass realistic and achievable goals, tailored to the needs of the Fellow.

Regular meetings with a mentor(s) at Shanghai Chest Hospital to ensure progress.

A final appraisal at the end of the Fellowship Programme, focusing on the fellow’s clinical achievements and mastering of surgical skills and knowledge. Fellows will also produce a full report on their experience based on the Francis Fontan Fund Committee guidelines.

Participation in clinical studies is expected, and joint research activities after returning to their home country (data analysis, paper writing, meeting presentation) is encouraged.

In addition, there will be periodic communication with the Fellowship director to ensure feedback from the trainee.