Hand Surgery Training Committee

One of the aims of FESSH is to stimulate, assist and foster training in Hand Surgery for all surgeons both young and established, who are members of the national societies represented by FESSH.

FESSH Awards

The Hand Surgery Training Committee administers financial support each year for surgeons, both in training and established, to visit other Hand Centres with the purpose of furthering their knowledge of Hand Surgery. The Awards create a forum for exchange of information and concepts in Europe and help to spread best practice.

»  There are 8 awards each year, valued at € 2,000 each

The FESSH Award is to be used for travel, accommodation and subsistence, to visit a single centre for a clinical or research activity.

Application is made through the FESSH website where there is a simple on-line application form. The following items are uploaded:
» 2 page curriculum vitae
» photograph
» letter of acceptance from the host centre
» two letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from the applicant’s head of training
    in the case of trainee hand surgeons
» 1 page description of the proposed visit to include approximate costs and alternative or additional sources of funding.
» signed statement that you intend to sit the FESSH Diploma
» Written confirmation that if the travel does not occur for whatever reason the money is to be returned.

Preference will be given to those with a clear learning goal.

Applications may be submitted after the 1st July in the current year with a closing date on the 1st December the same year. Successful candidates will be informed by 31st December of that year and the grant will be available shortly after.

The visit must be completed within 12 months of the FESSH Award being awarded.

Successful applicants will be required to submit to the Training Committee Chairman two items within one month of completion
» 4 page written report of their visit
» confirmation of attendance letter from the host centre.

Prerequisites for the FESSH Award

» The applicant must have clear evidence of commitment to a career in Hand Surgery
» The applicant must express a commitment to taking the FESSH Diploma in Hand Surgery.
» Preference will be given to applicants under the age of 40 but all worthwhile applications will be considered.
» Application is restricted to those whose nationality is consistent with a full member of FESSH.

Database of Training Centres, Fellowships and Research Programmes

FESSH is compiling through its website a database of centres in Europe which provide training posts, Fellowships and Research Programmes in the whole or in particular aspects of Hand Surgery.

Young surgeons will be able to find on the website details of the centres, the type of experience offered and contact details, to assist them in improving their training and knowledge before taking a permanent position.

Centres can upload information about themselves on a simple web-based system; a simple search engine with keywords allows the applicant to find training or research opportunities. The data contained on this website are for information only. FESSH is only a resource provider and this does not mean accreditation or validation by FESSH. The data are removed after 18 months to prevent obsolescence.


David Warwick
Hand Surgery Training Committee
training@fessh.com