Objective

In recognition of the increasing demand for specialist training, Synthes is pleased to announce, in collaboration with the EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies), the establishment of a spine fellowship program: EANS Spine Fellowships. Designed to meet the increasing demands of the qualified and ambitious neurosurgeon, EANS Spine Fellowships provide an opportunity to gain specialist training and expertise within specific areas of spinal surgery.

EANS Spine Fellowships are short-term fellowships, of two-months duration, undertaken at EANS approved host clinics, where fellows will be acquainted with different aspects and techniques of spinal surgery and evolving technologies.

Host clinics

The administration of EANS Spine Fellowships is overseen by the EANS Spine Education subcommittee, with individual host clinics responsible for the detailed planning and execution of their fellows’ stay.

Application

Applications for EANS Spine Fellowships will be reviewed and evaluated by the EANS Spine Education subcommittee following submission to the EANS Course Coordinator. The deadline for submission for the 2009 fellowships round is November 30, 2009, with the successful candidates being announced two weeks following this deadline.

EANS Spine Fellowships are open to members of the EANS, resident and practicing medicine within the EU.

Applications and guidelines for EANS Spine Fellowships are available on this website. All information can also be ordered directly from the EANS (see contact information).

Statement

“During my fellowship I was exposed to many aspects of complex spinal surgery and gained experience in the different techniques of occipito-cervical and cervico-thoracic fixation including anterior approaches to the thoracic and
lumbar spine. My mentor demonstrated outstanding skills, not only as surgeon but also as teacher, with the result that the spine fellowship has gone well beyond my expectations”.

Mauro Pluderi, EANS/Spine Fellow, Leeds, UK

Selection criteria

Candidate selection will be made by members of the EANS Spine Education subcommittee and approved by the host clinics involved, based on the following criteria:

• Academic merits and training to date (CV and operation log book in spinal procedures should be submitted)
• Spine dedication
• Credentials (including personal recommendations)
• Rationale for application
• Competency in the relevant language (English or German)