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Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Spine Surgery Fellowship

European Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki
(5/5) - 1 reviews

European Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki

Main Areas of Interest

MAIN CLINICAL AREAS:
• Discectomy and laminectomy: Advanced techniques
• Spine Endoscopy: Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
• Fusion: Minimally Invasive, Percutaneous and Endoscopic Spinal Fusion: Cervical and Lumbar Spine
• Pain management

Specialties

Orthopedics

Neurosurgery

Techniques You Will Learn

TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:

During your program, you will learn and observe a variety of surgical techniques, including:

Open microdiscectomy
Open laminectomy
Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy
Endoscopic foraminotomy/foraminoplasty
Cervical discectomy and fusion
Lumbar fusion
Endoscopic Spinal Fusion
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
Percutaneous Lumbar Instrumentation
Spinal injections
Pain therapy

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
• Total number of operations: ~600/year
• Certification: Confirmation of receiving a fellowship certificate upon completion.
• Weekly Surgical Procedures:
• Open microdiscectomy/laminectomy: Approximately 4-6 procedures
• Fusion: Approximately 2-3 procedures
• Spine Endoscopy: Approximately 2-4 procedures
• Spinal injections: Approximately 2-3 procedures

Curriculum

PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM:
• Monday - Tuesday: MIS Spine and Endoscopic Spinal Center Clinic
• 25-50 cases followed by discussion and learning opportunities, promoting academic and
clinical engagement.
Potential for publication or conference dissemination.
• Wednesday - Thursday - Friday
• 3-4 operations on spine cases per day, using MIS techniques
Tailored Training Plan: Personal challenges and requests are considered to ensure a responsive
and relevant training experience.

All applicants are required to carry workplace liability insurance. Due to regulatory and ethical
standards, hands-on training in the operating theater is limited. Fellows will primarily engage in
observational learning with very limited assistance (subject to institutional approval). Independentpatient management by fellows in the absence of supervising surgeons is not permitted. Thisensures adherence to high standards of patient care and safety.

Program duration: 4 -Week Visiting Fellowship is the default program structure

Optional extension: Up to 12 weeks
Occasional short visit: 2 weeks (by arrangement)

Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION:
• Consider Airbnb for convenient accommodation.
• Athena Airport Hotel: Website
• Panorama Hotel: Website

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Total Fee
4 weeks	$1,690.00

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.

Who Can Apply

Spine and orthopedic surgeons

Host Details

Host Name: Dr. Stylianos Kapetanakis

Affiliation: European Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki

Address: Interbalkan European Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Website URL: https://www.iatriko.gr/el/iatriko-diavalkaniko?cl=614

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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Onsite/On-Campus Program

Fellowship - Clinical Programs

Greece

Application Review Deadline:

Oct 15th, 2026

Apply Now

5 /5

1 reviews

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Average

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Terrible

-- "The fellowship program was exceptional. The hands-on clinical research experience was invaluable. I was exposed to clinical trials and pharmacovigilance, and also gained a deep understanding of research methodologies. Rating = 5/5" -- -- "The host mentor and the team were extremely supportive and knowledgeable. They guided us throughout the fellowship and their expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery was commendable. Rating = 5/5" -- -- "Collaboration and networking aspect of this fellowship was another highlight. I got the opportunity to publish a few research articles during the fellowship and have maintained long-term professional connections. Rating = 5/5" -- -- "The cultural and professional exposure during the fellowship was enriching. I got a chance to immerse in the French culture, practice my language skills, and explore a new research environment. Rating = 5/5" --

🌟 Overall Sentiment: Highly Positive

Most participants rated the Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Spine Surgery Fellowship program 5/5. They have praised the program for its high-quality mentorship, invaluable hands-on clinical research experience, opportunities for collaboration, publishing research, networking, and cultural and professional exposure.

Key Strengths

🧑‍🔬 Hands-on Clinical Research Experience – Participants gained valuable exposure to clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and research methodologies.
👨‍🏫 Supportive & Knowledgeable Mentors – The host mentor and team were praised for their expertise and guidance in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery.
🤝 Collaboration & Networking – The program provided opportunities to publish research articles and maintain long-term professional connections.
🌍 Cultural & Professional Exposure – Participants had the chance to immerse in French culture, practice language skills, and explore new research environments.

Anonymous

4 weeks ago

5/5

Summary

Review and highlights The Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Spine Surgery Fellowship at the Interbalkan European Medical Center in Thessaloniki, under the supervision of Professor Stylianos N. Kapetanakis, was an excellent professional experience with outstanding educational value. I had the opportunity to observe a broad range of procedures, including percutaneous spinal fusions, spinal decompressions, kyphoplasties, vertebroplasties, transforaminal and interlaminar endoscopic procedures, and fluoroscopy-guided spinal injections. I also observed anterior cervical fusion procedures using interbody cages and an operating microscope. Participating in outpatient consultations complemented the operating room experience, allowing me to follow clinical and imaging assessments, understand surgical indications, and take part in discussions about treatment options. I particularly appreciated the willingness of Professor Kapetanakis and his team to explain their clinical reasoning and the individual steps of each procedure. The clear, teaching-focused approach, diversity of cases, and integration of outpatient and surgical activities make this fellowship particularly well suited to orthopedic surgeons seeking to deepen their knowledge of minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. Suggestions for program development I consider the combination of surgical observation, participation in outpatient consultations, and direct discussions with the team to be one of the program’s greatest strengths. I would encourage the continuation and further development of this educational format, preserving the personalized mentorship and openness to discussion that made the experience so valuable. Visa process As a Romanian citizen, I did not require a visa for this visit. Therefore, I do not have personal experience with the visa application process. Travel and accommodation For future fellows, I would suggest choosing accommodation with convenient access to the Interbalkan European Medical Center, taking daily commuting time into consideration. Overall rating: 5/5 – an outstanding experience.

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