Education & Certification
Europe’s premier post-specialist training pathway in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. A structured 12-month program combining direct mentorship and hands-on operative experience.
European Fellowship
Who is this for ?
The flagship pathway for surgeons seeking world-class training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery within Europe.
ELIGIBILITY & STRUCTURE
- Completed specialist training in ENT or plastic surgery at an accredited European centre
- 12 months full-time, hands-on operative training under direct EAFPS faculty mentorship
- Placement based on interview and ranking fellows can choose where to apply, subject to the agreement of the Fellowship Director
Documents
APPLICATION FORM
International Fellowship
Who is this for ?
The same rigorous 12-month program, open to surgeons trained outside Europe whose qualifications meet equivalent standards.
ELIGIBILITY & STRUCTURE
- Specialist training in ENT or plastic surgery deemed equivalent to European standards by the Fellowship Committee
- Identical program structure and requirements as the European pathway
- Visa sponsorship and eligibility conditions vary by centre and country contact the Fellowship Committee early to confirm your eligibility
Observership
Who is this for ?
A focused observation experience for surgeons who want to gain insight into clinical practice and surgical procedures in a leading European centre.
ELIGIBILITY & STRUCTURE
- Duration of 1 to 3 months, supervised observation only no operative responsibility
- Ideal for surgeons looking to broaden their exposure before committing to a full fellowship
- Candidates may apply to more than one EAFPS observership centre simultaneously
- Available centres listed in the Observership Training Centres list (List B)
How to apply as an eafps fellowship training centre
Shape the next generation of facial plastic surgeons.
01.
Who can apply?
- University hospitals, private practices, ambulatory or outpatient settings
- Centres with sufficient faculty, resources and academic support
- Programme directors must hold active surgical privileges and have passed the EBCFPRS exam
- Centres running residency programmes must keep fellowship and residency cases strictly separate
02.
Programmes you can offer
- Observership – 1 to 3 months supervised observation
- Fellowship – 12 months full operative training with direct mentorship
Mentor commitments
- Direct surgical teaching and regular progress reviews
- Formal evaluations at 6 and 12 months
- Minimum 2 hours per week dedicated to mentorship
03.
Accreditation requirements
- Structured written curriculum approved by the Fellowship Review Committee
- Sufficient case volume to ensure primary operative responsibility for the fellow
- Regular didactic sessions (journal club, M&M conference, clinical presentations)
- Formal fellow evaluation at 6 and 12 months (knowledge, operative skills, complications)
- Annual report to the EAFPS + formal review every 3 to 5 years
04.
How to apply?
Fill in the application form (centre details, affiliations, programmes offered, operative exposure) and send it to:
Garyfalia Lekakis Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands fellowshipprogram@eafps.org
Documents to download:
Application process
Check your eligibility
MD or equivalent, completed specialist training in ENT or plastic surgery, 2 EAFPS member sponsors, active medical licence, proficiency in English
Prepare your documents
Medical degree, specialist certificates, CV, 2 EAFPS sponsor letters.
Complete the application form
Fill in the form approx. 1–2 hours ;
Submit by email
Send all documents in PDF to fellowship@eafps.org confirmation within 48h.
Screening & interview
Initial review (2–3 weeks), then interview for shortlisted candidates.
Acceptance
Based on interview ranking, fellows can choose their preferred centre, subject to the Fellowship Director’s agreement.
Program Milestones
Once accepted, your 12-month program follows four key milestones:
- Month 1 – Orientation & onboarding
- Months 2–6 – Core training and progress review
- Months 7–11 – Advanced techniques & independence
- Month 12 – Final evaluation & certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Contact Fellowship Committee Co-Directors Kristian Hutson & Floris van Zijl fellowship@eafps.org
Can I complete the fellowship part-time?
No the fellowship is a full-time, 12-month commitment.
Do I need to be an EAFPS member to apply?
You don’t need to be a member at application, but you must secure two EAFPS member sponsors. Membership is typically obtained during the application process.
Can international surgeons apply?
Yes. Surgeons trained outside Europe are welcome if their training in ENT or plastic surgery is deemed equivalent to European standards. Visa sponsorship varies by centre and country.
What is the cost of the fellowship?
The fellowship itself is not charged. You are responsible for living expenses, estimated at €15,000–25,000 for the year. Some centres provide a stipend of €500–1,500/month.
What about the 100-case operative log?
The 100-case operative log is not required during the fellowship itself. It is part of the certification process: fellows must submit a log of 100 personally performed cases over the two years following the fellowship, which is then reviewed as part of the EBEC-FPRS pathway.
How does centre placement work?
After the interview, candidates are ranked. Fellows can choose the centre they would like to join, but placement is only confirmed if the Fellowship Director of that centre agrees.
How competitive is the fellowship?
The fellowship is selective and the ratio of applicants to positions varies by year. Strong sponsor endorsements, clear goals, and relevant surgical experience strengthen your candidacy.
Is there a network of fellowship alumni?
Yes. EAFPS maintains a network of fellowship alumni with regular networking events, mentorship opportunities, and career support.
