FESSH/SSCM Congress Fellowship Basel 2026
18 May - 6 June 2026

What is the FESSH/SSCM 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 Switzerland. Fellows will each visit two centers in Switzerland 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 Basel will be included in the two days before the congress. 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 scrub in is not available due to legal limitations.

Who is eligible to apply for the FESSH/SSCM Congress Fellowship Basel 2026?

1. Surgeons with an interest in hand surgery and being member of one of the FESSH Member Societies. For FESSH member status please check https://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.

What should be included with your application?

1. Completed application form
2. CV (total 4 pages max)
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.
2. Files must be saved as Microsoft Word or PDF as: [First name] [Last name] Fellowship Reference.
3. Details of the applicant's progress and achievements in hand surgery to date.
4. Details of how the fellowship is expected to benefit the applicant.
5. Details of how the applicant will apply their fellowship learning in their future career.

Please apply by providing the following information and documents through the application platform online

1. Application
2. References (x2) (Format: Microsoft Word or PDF on headed paper)
3. CV (Format: Microsoft Word or PDF)
4. Certification of membership (Format: Microsoft Word or PDF)

Fellowship report

If you are successful in your application you will be asked to write a report summarizing your experience after the congress. This report shall be one page including 2 pictures and may be published by FESSH. Your fellowship certificate will be sent to you upon receipt of the report.

Deadline for the report is 30 June 2026