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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 2nd edition will commence in October 2026, with applications opening on the 4th May and closing the 5th July! More details are below. 

 

The first Fellowship Programme began in October 2024 and runs until October 2026. It is aimed at vascular trainees and vascular surgeons, to improve their knowledge and skills in aortic surgery.

Programme Content

What You’ll Experience

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

7 Face-to-Face Workshops
15 exclusive online Workshops

Including priority registration for your preferred in person 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 for self-funded applicants. 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. Places are limited and at the disretion of the ESVS. 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 included in the fee. 

Applications from individuals without ESVS memberships are accepted.

Submit application

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. We thank our industry partners who make these grants possible. 

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

Apply for a grant

How to Apply

Applications open between May 4th and 5th July (midnight).

 

Ensure you meet all criteria and submit the required documents (same documents for all applicants).

 

Be available for your interview and/or programme planning meeting (self-funded Fellows) during the first two weeks of July – specific dates to follow. 

1.

Write your motivation letter

Show your commitment and mention the 7 face-to-face workshop you’re interested in.

 

Find the full programme of workshops here and more details on the online programme here.

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.

4

Submit Your Logbook of Procedures

Surgeon/ first assistant/ observer

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about the Aortic Fellowship.

FAQ

Who is the Fellowship aimed at?

The Fellowship is aimed at all vascular surgeons, from trainees to experienced vascular surgeons willing to improve their skills in aortic surgery.

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.

 

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 and Medtech accreditation. 

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 on our events calendar pages and here.

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. At the application stage, applicants need only choose 7 that interest them. Your individual programme will be tailored with you, during a first meeting – the programme planning session.

 

The Fellowship does not include travel and accommodation costs for self-funded applicants. For grant winners, part of the grant is intended to cover these costs. 

ESVS provides a detailed list of pre-approved and reputable aortic centres, including their main characteristics and the ESVS contact person. Approved centres will be available here soon. 

 

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

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. 

Most of the grant covers the workshop fees for each workshop. Recipients also receive a subsistence grant, given in 3 instalments, 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 and is dependent on the generous support of our industry partners.

 

Applicants who are turned down for a grant, may still be eligible to enrol as a self-funded Fellow. Please make this intention clear, in your grant application. 

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, assisted or observed.
  • Career stage
  • 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 a number of disadvantaged countries, as indexed by the World Development Indicators (WDI) database. 
  • 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 including 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 (timing to be agreed between you and the centre).
  • Grants: The Fellowship team will review and score the applications and interviews will also be held in early July. Outcomes will be communicated by the end of July.
  • Self-funded: Applications are reviewed by the Fellowship team on a first-come-first-served basis for those funding themselves or sourcing funds through a third party. Based on your previous experience, the team will advise the best programme for you, during a meeting in early July. Their recommendation must be adhered to.
    A decision will be given as soon as possible after the application has been submitted. Payment will be requested at that point and can be paid in 4 instalments, if needed.