What is the FESSH/CSSH Congress Fellowship scheme?

Hand surgeons (senior registrars, fellows and junior consultants within 4 years of independent practice, or equivalent) may apply to complete a 2 weeks observership at leading hand surgery units across Czech Republic. Each fellow will visit one center during the first week and several centers during the second week in the Czech Republic in order to observe international experts in different fields such as arthroplasty, arthroscopy, congenital, microsurgery, peripheral nerve surgery and traumatology. Moreover, a teaching day in Prague will be included in the two days before the congress.

FESSH will provide reimbursement for accommodation expenses of up to €100 per night, as well as travel expenses between the centers. Please note that travel to and from the Czech Republic will be at your own expense. The aim of this Congress Fellowship Scheme is to promote excellence in hand surgery, support the development and delivery of high-quality care and to build global networks and collaboration. Please note that this is an observational fellowship. Due to legal limitations, participation in surgical procedures (scrubbing in) is not permitted.

Who is eligible to apply for the FESSH/CSSH Congress Fellowship Prague 2027?

1. Surgeons with an interest in hand surgery and being member of one of the FESSH Member Societies. For FESSH member status please check fessh.com/member-societies
2. Surgeons in training in hand surgery or within four years of independent practice who have passed or are studying for the EBHS Exam. A track record in research (clinical or experimental) is an advantage.
3. Places are available to full-paying members, residents, and young members of national hand societies that hold full FESSH membership, provided they live and work in Europe.

What should be included with the application?

1. Completed application form
2. CV: 4 page curriculum vitae including photograph, current appointment, FESSH activities, meetings and courses attended, any previous FESSH funding and any relevant publications
3. Two letters of reference supporting your application
4. Certification of membership of your national hand society (member of FESSH)

Who is an appropriate referee?

1. Senior colleagues with whom you have trained or worked within the last three years.
2. Head of Department, Consultant colleague (or equivalent) or Supervisor.

Letter of reference guidance:

1. Should be completed on headed paper from the referees’ institution or hospital.
Files must be saved as Microsoft Word or PDF as: [First name] [Last name] Fellowship Reference.
2. Details of the applicant’s progress and achievements in hand surgery to date.
3. Details of how the fellowship is expected to benefit the applicant.
4. Details of how the applicant will apply their fellowship learning in their future career.