Institution:University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Surgical Sciences (DISC) Monza, Italy

Fellowship Program Director/Educational Supervisor:

Giorgio M. Biasi M.Chir, FACS, FRCS(Engl.)

Administrator / Contact:Secretariat, Unit of Vascular Surgery

San Gerardo University Hospital
3rd Floor, Sector ‘C’
Via G.B. Pergolesi, 33
20052 MONZA (Milan) Italy
E-mail:  met@unimib.it
Website: www.isvs.com

Duration of the Course: 3 months

Start Dates:  1st October, 1st January, 1st April, 1st July.

Educational Objectives:

Endovascular procedures are mostly performed by vascular surgeons, interventional radiologist and cardiologists.  In the interest of the patient it would be preferable, in order to maintain the 'gold-standard', that at least two or more of the above-mentioned specialists be present and consulted in each centre where endovascular procedures are carried out.  This situation may not always be possible and could cause conflict among colleagues of an endovascular team, since it is quite clear that only one person can be considered ultimately responsible at a time for each procedure.

On the basis of this consideration the educational objectives of the Course in Milan (following the structure of the MET – Master in Endovascular Techniques of the University Milano-Bicocca) are to give the opportunity to trainees to be tutored in open vascular procedures by interventional radiologists and cardiologists, as well as vascular surgeons. 

During the Course the trainee should:

•  Learn how to diagnose and judge in patient selection.
•  Learn how to find the solution to vascular problems in the most efficient, durable and less invasive manner possible.
•  Be in a position to handle procedures, foreseeing, avoiding or resolving any eventual complications that may arise.

Job description:

Three Month Educational Course for ISVS Members.  This Course provides tutoring in Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology and Interventional Cardiology.  The Course covers the arterial vascular districts (sovra-aortic trunks, abdominal and thoracic aortic, visceral arteries and pelvic limbs).  Trainees are expected to attend full-time the operating rooms, radiology and cardiology suites in the hospital connected with the University of Milano-Bicocca within the network of the MET (Master in Endovascular Techniques) training programme.

Outline of weekly schedule:

Half days in operating room:2

Half days in endovascular suite/interventional radiology:3

Half days in outpatient /consultation:5

Teaching program / academic meetings, etc.:10% of total training period.

Anticipated experience of endovascular intervention as second operator:  30% of presence during procedures.

Anticipated experience of endovascular intervention as first operator:  10% of presence during procedures.

Ninety percent (90%) of the time should be spent dealing directly with patients at bed-side, in the operating room in the radiology and cardiology suites and the remaining 10% should be dedicated to lectures, seminars and conferences.

Centers of Excellence included in Course:

• Department of Vascular Surgery, S. Gerardo University Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Milan (Head, Giorgio M. Biasi, MD);
• Heart Centre Columbus, Milan (Head, Antonio Colombo, MD);
• Diagnostic and Interventional Cardio-Angiology Laboratory, Villa Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, Ravenna (Head, Alberto Cremonesi, MD);
• Dept. of Haemodynamics, San Donato Teaching Hospital, San Donato Milanese, Milan (Head, Luigi Inglese, MD);
• Dept. of Interventional Angio-Radiology, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Turin (Head, Claudio Rabbia, MD);
• Laboratory of Haemodynamics and Unit of Cardiology, L. Sacco Hospital, Milan (Head, Maurizio Viecca, MD).

Person Specification/Profile: Qualifications: MD:

All applicants must be qualified doctors (MD or equivalent).  It is not essential to have completed a training program in vascular surgery, interventional radiology or cardiology or to have acquired a title of specialist in these three specialties in their respective countries.  Nevertheless, they do need to have acquired certain skills or experience in endovascular procedures (to be certified).   Trainees are expected to participate in research programmes, possibly ongoing in the centre of their training.

Level of Training/Experience required:

All trainees will be provided with a logbook, where they must indicate details of their activities in the hospital on a daily basis.  As assessment of progress will be made upon completion of the Course.

Registration with Regulatory Body:

Trainees in the ISVS Training Programme will be officially recognied by the University of Milan-Bicocca and the hospitals connected with the training programme linked to the hospitals involved. 

Malpractice Insurance Provided:

All participants are covered by an insurance, which will allow them to undertake surgical procedures under the supervision of staff members of the relative hospital.  These rules apply to European and Non-European applicants.

Language requirements:  English

Cost of Course:   € 2,000.00 (two thousand Euro) excluding travel and accommodation.