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Robotic Thoracic Surgery Fellowship

European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)

Robotic Systems have been applied in thoracic surgery for more than 20 years. However, their application in the daily surgical practice is still considered a challenging programme. The goal of this fellowship is to advance technical skills and accuracy in robotic thoracic surgery and provide the successful candidate with an in-depth understanding of thoracic surgical outcomes with one of the world’s leading quality improvement teams. The successful fellow will be provided with a unique opportunity to visit medical research and advanced robotic technological institutes in Europe.

Fellowship Overview

The fellowship programme 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 separate 3-week stays in high-volume robotic centres (situated in Paris, Calabria 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 2027 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 programme
Operative logbook listing robotic surgery experience (includes cases as primary surgeon and/or patient side surgeon)

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Direct relevance to cardiothoracic surgery (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important success factor.

Competitive proposals should focus on:

Adult cardiac surgery
Thoracic surgery
Congenital cardiac surgery
Aortic surgery
Valve surgery
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Robotic cardiothoracic surgery
Mechanical circulatory support
Heart and lung transplantation
Extracorporeal life support (ECMO)
Perioperative cardiothoracic care

Projects outside cardiothoracic surgery are generally not competitive.

2. Strong potential to improve surgical outcomes and patient care (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

EACTS prioritizes research that improves clinical practice.

Competitive proposals should demonstrate potential to:

Reduce surgical complications
Improve survival
Enhance perioperative care
Improve long-term outcomes
Improve quality of life
Optimize surgical decision-making
Improve patient safety

Projects with a clear pathway to improving cardiothoracic surgical care receive the strongest consideration.

3. Scientific excellence and rigorous methodology (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive proposals should include:

Important clinical or scientific questions
Strong scientific rationale
Appropriate study design
Robust statistical analysis
Clearly defined outcome measures
Feasible milestones

Scientific quality is a core component of EACTS peer review.

4. Innovation in cardiothoracic surgery (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive projects often investigate:

Novel surgical techniques
Robotic surgery
Artificial intelligence
Image-guided surgery
Tissue engineering
Advanced biomaterials
Digital surgery
Precision surgery
Surgical simulation
New cardiovascular devices

Innovative projects that can transform surgical practice are highly competitive.

5. Strong translational potential (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

EACTS supports research that bridges laboratory discoveries and clinical practice.

Competitive proposals often involve:

Translational cardiovascular research
Medical devices
Biomarker development
Clinical trials
Surgical technology
Regenerative medicine
Precision cardiovascular medicine

Applications should clearly explain how discoveries will improve patient care.

6. Early-career surgeon-scientist development (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A defining feature of many EACTS funding programs is the development of future academic leaders.

Competitive applicants often include:

Cardiothoracic surgery residents
Fellows
Early-career consultants
Junior faculty
Surgeon-scientists beginning independent research careers

Reviewers assess leadership potential, academic commitment, and future contributions to the specialty.

7. Strong mentorship and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications typically include:

Experienced mentor(s)
Strong host institution
Access to research infrastructure
Protected research time
Appropriate laboratory and clinical facilities

Fellowship programs place particular emphasis on the quality of the host institution and supervision.

8. International collaboration and knowledge exchange (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

EACTS encourages collaboration among:

European academic centers
International surgical institutions
Multidisciplinary research teams
Clinical trial networks

Many fellowship programs are specifically designed to promote international training and collaboration.

9. Feasible project design and realistic implementation (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive proposals demonstrate:

Realistic timelines
Appropriate budgets
Clearly defined milestones
Available infrastructure
Achievable project scope

Well-planned pilot or translational studies are particularly competitive.

10. Dissemination and contribution to cardiothoracic surgery (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive proposals should demonstrate plans to:

Publish in peer-reviewed journals
Present at the EACTS Annual Meeting
Contribute to EACTS educational activities
Influence clinical guidelines
Advance evidence-based cardiothoracic surgery

Broad dissemination enhances the long-term impact of funded research.

Specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Surgery

Others

Eligibility Requirements

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

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: EACTS House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1EU

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