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Aortic Fellowship Programme

A carefully balanced, unbiased, two-year ESVS educational programme of multiple aortic workshops at basic or advanced level, for all vascular surgeons.

What is the ESVS Aortic Fellowship?

The first Fellowship Programme began in October 2024 and runs until September 2026. It is aimed at vascular trainees and vascular surgeons, to improve their knowledge and skills in aortic surgery. The 2nd edition is due to commence in 2027, with applications opening around July. Watch this space!

Programme Content

What You’ll Experience

A multi-format learning approach to build competence and confidence.

7 Face-to-Face Workshops
6-8 Online Workshops

Including priority registration for your preferred workshops

Exclusive Key Opinion Leader (KOL) sessions

Regular, informal discussions with aortic KOLs and other Fellows

2-Week Clinical
Placement

Support in securing a high-volume aortic centre for your two-week placement. A pre-approved list will be provided

Certificate of Attendance

Final interview with the ESVS Fellowship Programme team. Receive an ESVS certificate of attendance, acknowledging you took part in an exhaustive and recognised educational programme in aortic vascular surgery.

Fees & Fellowship
Grants

 

The Fellowship Programme costs €10,500 and Fellows have the option to fund themselves or apply for a ESVS Fellowship Grant (subject to availability) through a competitive application process.

Self-Funded Applicants

Join the programme independently and cover the full cost of your educational journey. This option offers flexibility for professionals or institutions that wish to directly invest in aortic surgery training. Travel to and accommodation at the workshop locations are not covered by the ESVS.

Applications from individuals without ESVS memberships are accepted.

Exclusively for ESVS Members

ESVS Fellowship Grant

Apply for an ESVS Grant to receive financial support for your fellowship. Limited spots are available for strong candidates who demonstrate a genuine need and a commitment to the field.

Fellowship Grants are exclusively available for ESVS Members (the “medical student” category is exempt).

How to Apply

Applications are currently closed.

 

The 2nd edition is due to commence in 2027, with applications opening around July.

 

Ensure you meet all criteria and submit the required documents. 

1.

Write your Motivation Letter

Show your commitment and mention the face-to-face workshop you’re interested in.

2.

Upload your CV

Highlight your experience and educational background.

3

Submit Your Department's Approval

Include the name of your mentor and host institution. See specifications in the FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about the Aortic Fellowship.

FAQ

Who is the Fellowship aimed at?

The grant funding is open to all vascular surgeons who are members of the Society (except the “medical student” category), from trainees to experienced vascular surgeons willing to improve their skills in aortic surgery. Self-funded applicants do not need to be a member. 

The programme aims to provide comprehensive, unbiased, hands-on training in aortic surgery across Europe. Designed for vascular surgeons of all levels, the Fellowship focuses on enhancing both foundational and advanced skills in treating aortic diseases.

Key objectives include:

  • Delivering structured education in open and endovascular aortic procedures, from basic to advanced levels.

  • Developing diagnostic imaging skills and clinical decision-making through real-case discussions.

  • Offering practical training via cadaver labs, simulators, hands-on models, and technical workshops.

  • Promoting independent, balanced medical education.

Whether you’re early in your vascular surgery career or seeking to refine complex aortic intervention techniques, the ESVS Aortic Fellowship offers a progressive and engaging learning journey.

The workshops include face-to-face and online workshops at different levels of expertise. Fellows will attend the workshops alongside non-Fellows, and the exact dates will be announced here.

Fellows select their level of programme (beginner/advanced).

The online programme is designed to incorporate all relevant KOL sessions and meetings. View here. All online sessions are mandatory.

Fellows must attend 7 face-to-face workshops across Europe.

 

Basic Fellowship Programme Level includes:

  • 4 basic workshops + 3 moderate workshops

  • Or, 2 moderate workshops + 1 advanced workshop

 

Advanced Fellowship Programme Levels include:

  • 1 basic workshop + 3 moderate workshops + 3 advanced workshops

ESVS provides a detailed list of pre-approved and reputable aortic centres, including their main characteristics and the ESVS contact person. These are the currently approved centres.

Participants choose a centre and independently secure and organise their visit, including accommodation and travel.

The Fellowship does not include travel and accommodation costs for self-funded applicants. An additional grant is available for those who received the Fellowship Grant. 

ESVS will organise regular sessions with KOLs and guest speakers, with the Fellowship Lead present at each session (case discussions, feedback from both sides, etc.). All sessions are mandatory. 

The grant covers the fee for the Fellowship. Recipients also receive a subsistence grant of €3,500 to cover travel and accommodation expenses for attending the face-to-face workshops. The number of grants to be given is at the discretion of ESVS.

Whilst the Programme and the grants do benefit from sponsorship funding, the Programme is proud to abide by the conditions of EACCME in providing unbiased educational opportunities. Each workshop will seek CME accreditation. 

Grants will be assessed by the Aortic Fellowship team according to the criteria below.

  • The ESVS values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • The maturity level of aortic surgery in your centre. Priority is given to institutions where:
    • Aortic surgery is performed.
    • Both open and endovascular surgery are performed.
    • The number of aortic surgeries is relatively moderate (between 50 – 200 aortic surgeries annually).
    • The number of aortic surgeries per surgeon is between 10-30 will receive the most points.  
  • The number of aortic procedures performed or assisted.
    • Basic Programme: the fewer the better.
    • Advanced Programme: the more the better.
  • Career stage
    • Basic Programme: the further away you are from completing training (either side), the fewer points you receive.
  • Number of aortic-focused scientific papers and international congress presentations (published papers or presented abstracts in the field of aortic surgery/pathology).
  • Geographic location of your place of work
    • Priority is given to the following list of countries, based on GDP. 
  • A short description of the aortic surgery in the Department
  • Number of surgeons performing aortic surgery
  • Annual number of aortic procedures (aneurysm, dissection, trauma) and open: endo ratio
  • A list of operations you have performed in the past 5 years
  • Your level of involvement
  • Department’s approval for you to participate in the Programme for two years, in seven face-to-face workshops, in the online workshops and for two weeks placement in another hospital.