Applications for 2024-2025 are now closed.

The European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Colorectal Robotic Surgery Fellowship has the aim of providing training in robotic colorectal surgery to colorectal surgeons with previous experience either in open or laparoscopic approach.

At the end of this fellowship the fellow should be able to perform standard procedures in robotic colorectal surgery for benign or malignant disease such as rectopexy, sigmoidectomy, right colectomy with/without intracorporeal anastomosis or low anterior resection. Different aspects of the theoretical background of robotic surgery, selection criteria for the patient, diagnostic studies prior to the surgical procedure or postoperative follow-up are also part of this training.

ESCP has announced the following fellowship opportunities for the 2024-2025 period:

  • 6 x six-month fellowships on Colorectal Robotic Surgery

These fellowships are supported by a €16,000 grant from Intuitive.

Eligibility criteria

  • Be a fully paid member of ESCP (i.e. full, affiliate etc.) for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Have training in general surgery for a minimum of 5 years
  • Are senior trainees or consultants at an early stage of their career
  • The fellow must be a surgeon with license to practice colorectal surgery in the host centre – ESCP will provide guidance in securing the licence. But it is the responsibility of candidates to secure licensing and work permission requirements.
  • Have a manifested interest in coloproctology (evidenced by practice, teaching, research or publications)
  • Basic training in robotic surgery will also be highly appreciated.
  • It is helpful if the fellow speaks the native language of the host hospital (fluent English might be accepted by most of the host centres).
  • Can clearly define the benefit to be gained from this experience

Robotic host centres

  • Not available in 2024: Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands – Supervisor: Dr George van der Schelling & Dr Rogier Crolla
  • Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK - Supervisor: Dr Jim Khan
  • Ospedale San Paolo, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy - Supervisor: Prof Paolo Pietro Bianchi
  • Not available until 2026: Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain - Supervisor: Dr Marcos Gomez Ruiz & Dr Julio del Castillo Diego
  • Hospital Valle De Hebron, Barcelona, Spain - Supervisor: Dr Eloy Espin Basany
  • Not available in 2024: Newcastle Centre for Bowel Disease, Newcastle Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK – Supervisor: Mr Peter Coyne & Miss Neena Randhawa
  • Proctological and Pelvic Floor Clinical Center, University Hospital of Pisa & Colorectal Clinic Center, Pisa, Italy - Supervisor: Prof Gabriele Naldini, Dr Piero Buccianti, Dr. Piero Lippolis & Prof Luca Morelli
  • Not available until 2026:St Mark's Hospital, London, UK - Supervisor: Mr Danilo Miskovic
  • Bordeaux Colorectal Institute, France - Supervisor: Prof Quentin Denost
  • University of Limerick Hospitals Group, Limerick, Ireland - Supervisor: Mr Colin Pierce
  • Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK - Supervisor: Mr Irshad Shaikh
  • Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, UK - Supervisor: Mr Jamil Ahmed
  • Poole General Hospital, Poole, UK - Supervisor: Mr Najaf Siddiqi
  • Hospital Del Mar, Barcelona, Spain - Supervisor: Marta Pascual Damieta

Applications

  • Applications for 2024-2025 are now closed.
  • In order to support your online application, all candidates must provide the following supporting documentation:
    • CV
    • CCT or equivalent status
    • Logbook of operating experience focusing on robotic surgery experience
    • Letter of support from the Head of Department/Training Programme Director for the support of the 6-month fellowship placement. The Head of Department should also comment on current access to a robotic platform for the candidate along with the level of robotic surgery training and future access to a robotic platform.
    • Provide evidence of simulated training or robotic surgery courses attended.
  • Please send the above documents to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within one week of submission of your application.
  • Please note: Applicants will have to go through a formal interview process. Afterwards, we will be asking you to prepare a video clip and a written report for the ESCP website to provide an account of your Fellowship experience. You will also be given the opportunity to make a short presentation of your experience at the next ESCP annual meeting if you wish to do so.
  • Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about your application.

Supported by Intuitive Surgical

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