The Fellowship/Observership in Vascular Access at “G. Papanikolaou” Hospital, Thessaloniki, is designed to provide comprehensive and structured exposure to state-of-the-art vascular access techniques. The program focuses on the placement and management of PICC lines, Port-a-Cath devices, PICC-Port devices, and tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs), as well as Midline and Hickman catheters, covering both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Through participation in a dedicated Vascular Access Laboratory and Outpatient Clinic, fellows will observe and learn best practices in ultrasound-guided catheter insertion, patient counseling, long-term device maintenance, and complication management. The program highlights the clinical significance of reliable vascular access for hematology, oncology, nephrology, and critically ill patients, underlining its impact on treatment effectiveness, hospital efficiency, and patient quality of life.
Training is delivered within a multidisciplinary framework, involving surgeons, nephrologists, anesthesiologists, interventional radiologists, infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, and highly trained nursing staff. In addition to clinical exposure, fellows are encouraged to attend educational activities and research initiatives, including the annual “Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access Seminar.”
This fellowship is ideally suited for residents and early-career specialists in surgery, nephrology, anesthesiology, oncology, or related fields. By the end of the program, participants will acquire a solid understanding of modern vascular access strategies and will be prepared to implement or optimize similar services in their home institutions, thereby contributing to safer, more efficient, and patient-centered healthcare.
Central Venous Access Devices: PICC lines, Port-a-Cath, PICC-Port devices, tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs), Midline and dialysis catheters.
Ultrasound-Guided Placement: Principles and practice of real-time ultrasound guidance for safe catheter insertion.
Catheter Maintenance & Care: Best practices in device handling, flushing protocols, and infection prevention.
Complication Management: Recognition and management of catheter-related infections, thrombosis, and mechanical issues.
Outpatient Services: Patient counseling, education of caregivers, and structured follow-up in the vascular access clinic.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Interaction with surgeons, nephrologists, anesthesiologists, interventional radiologists, and specialized nursing staff.
Educational & Research Activities: Participation in training seminars, case discussions, and ongoing research in vascular access.
PICC line insertion under real-time ultrasound guidance.
Port-a-Cath implantation (totally implantable venous access device).
Tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) placement for long-term therapies.
Midline catheter insertion for intermediate-duration treatments.
Hickman catheters.
Ultrasound-guided venous puncture and vessel mapping.
Catheter tip localization with ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and ECG-based methods.
Aseptic insertion protocols and advanced infection prevention techniques.
Catheter maintenance and troubleshooting, including management of occlusion, thrombosis, and mechanical failure.
Removal techniques and post-catheter care.
Week 1 – Orientation & Anatomy
Introduction to the Vascular Access Center and facilities.
Applied anatomy of central and peripheral venous system (jugular, subclavian, femoral, basilic, cephalic).
Surface landmarks and ultrasound anatomy for vascular access.
Principles of vascular access device selection (PICC, PICC-Port, Port, tunneled CVC, Midline, Hickman catheters).
Observing initial catheter placements under supervision.
Week 2 – Vascular Access Techniques (Part I)
Hands-on observation of PICC line insertion under ultrasound guidance.
Port-a-Cath implantation: indications, technique, and post-procedure care.
Aseptic insertion protocols and infection prevention strategies.
Daily participation in the Vascular Access Laboratory.
Case-based discussions on patient selection.
Week 3 – Vascular Access Techniques (Part II)
Tunneled CVC placement techniques.
Midline catheter insertion.
Tunneled dialysis catheter placement and management.
Catheter tip localization: ultrasound, ECG-guided confirmation.
Participation in multidisciplinary meetings (surgery, nephrology, anesthesiology, radiology).
Week 4 – Maintenance, Complications & Outpatient Services
Catheter maintenance: flushing, locking, and long-term care protocols.
Recognition and management of complications (infection, thrombosis, occlusion, mechanical problems).
Participation in outpatient vascular access clinics: patient counseling and follow-up.
Educational seminar: Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access Workshop.
Final case presentations and feedback session.
Total Duration: 4 weeks (full-time observership/fellowship).
For the 4-week fellowship, participants may choose from nearby hotels and guesthouses offering convenient access to the hospital:
| Hotel / Apartment | Area | Distance to Hospital | Facilities / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Philippion | Exochi | ~3 km / 8–10 min drive | 4★ hotel in a quiet green area, shuttle service to city center, restaurant & pool. |
| Hotel Panorama | Panorama | ~5 km / 10 min drive | 4★ hotel with comfortable rooms, restaurant, and direct access to Exochi/Asvestochori. |
| Byzantio Hotel | Asvestochori | ~4 km / 8–10 min drive | 3★ hotel, affordable option, good value for longer stays. |
| Little House Apartments | Asvestochori | ~3 km / 7 min drive | Serviced apartments, ideal for fellows preferring self-catering. |
| Guesthouses & B&Bs | Exochi / Panorama | 2–5 km / 5–10 min drive | Family-run accommodations listed on booking platforms, quiet and convenient. |
Transport:
Taxi or rental car recommended (5–10 minutes from Exochi/Asvestochori to the hospital).
Public bus lines connect Asvestochori and Panorama with Thessaloniki city center.
Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) is ~25–30 minutes by car.
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $1,875.00 |
This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.
-Residents and fellows in Surgery, Nephrology, Anesthesiology, Oncology, or Hematology.
-Early-career specialists (within 5 years of board certification) with an interest in vascular access.
-Consultants / established specialists seeking advanced training in vascular access procedures and patient management.
-Registered Nurses or specialized nursing staff involved in vascular access, infusion therapy, oncology, or dialysis.
-Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (or Greek, for local candidates).
-Strong academic record and interest in clinical practice, patient safety, or research related to vascular access.
-Ability to commit to the full 4-week program.
-Merit-based applications may be considered for candidates with outstanding qualifications.
Host Name: Orestis Ioannidis
Affiliation: Fourth Department of Surgery, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Address: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "George Papanikolaou", 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.
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Dec 15th, 2025
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $1,875.00 |
This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.
-Residents and fellows in Surgery, Nephrology, Anesthesiology, Oncology, or Hematology.
-Early-career specialists (within 5 years of board certification) with an interest in vascular access.
-Consultants / established specialists seeking advanced training in vascular access procedures and patient management.
-Registered Nurses or specialized nursing staff involved in vascular access, infusion therapy, oncology, or dialysis.
-Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (or Greek, for local candidates).
-Strong academic record and interest in clinical practice, patient safety, or research related to vascular access.
-Ability to commit to the full 4-week program.
-Merit-based applications may be considered for candidates with outstanding qualifications.
Host Name: Orestis Ioannidis
Affiliation: Fourth Department of Surgery, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Address: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "George Papanikolaou", 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.
Commonly asked questions about this program from the host and other attendees.