Background
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery to master. With the continuous evolution of innovative techniques – including powered instruments and advanced cartilage-preservation techniques – the need for structured, high-level education continues to grow. The European Rhinoplasty Masterclass (ERM) was created to meet this demand, offering an advanced diploma program that upholds high standards of training and competence. Participation in the ERM is a mark of dedication and achievement, formally recognizing scholars who have committed to the pursuit of excellence in this demanding field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
What is the European Rhinoplasty Masterclass?
The European Rhinoplasty Masterclass (ERM) is an advanced diploma program developed under the auspices of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS). It formally recognizes scholars who have successfully completed a structured and complementary educational program in rhinoplasty. ERM diplomas are awarded only upon completion of the training; retrospective diplomas for equivalent training before 2024 are not issued. The ERM is distinct from the EAFPS Fellowship Program and has no equivalence or affiliation with other societies or institutions outside the EAFPS.
A. ERM Program Standards and Structure
The ERM Committee has established specific standards for scholar participation, surgical exposure, and meeting attendance, which must be met in order to qualify for the ERM diploma.
- Training Period: The ERM Program consists of three months of dedicated rhinoplasty training, which may be divided into one-, two- or three-month subperiods, to be completed within two years.
- Training plan design: Each scholar creates a personalized ERM training plan by selecting one, two, or three tutors from the official ERM list. Written and signed acceptance forms from the chosen tutors must be submitted for review and approved by the ERM Committee before training begins. Any mutation in the training plan during the program must be approved by the ERM Committee, before continuing
- Documentation: In addition to a personalized training plan, scholars must complete the official ERM-CV for review and approval before the start of training. At the conclusion of the ERM Program, a final procedure logbook, signed by both the scholar and tutors must be submitted for review to confirm eligibility for the examination.
- Meeting attendance: Scholars are required to attend at least one EAFPS Annual Meeting during the two-year training period.
- Hands-on Course: Scholars must attend at least one rhinoplasty dissection course organized under the auspices of EAFPS (the official course list is updated annually).
- Fees: ERM subscription fees must be paid in full to the EAFPS before the start of training (fees are published on the EAFPS website).
- Responsibility: Personal accommodation, travel, and insurance arrangements remain the responsibility of the scholar.
B. ERM eligibility criteria for scholars
- Medical Background: The ERM is open to medical specialists who have completed residency training in Otorhinolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery or General Plastic Surgery and are certified by the medical boards of their respective countries.
- Membership: Scholars must be Full or Junior members of the EAFPS.
- Non-European Scholars: Scholars from outside Europe are eligible under the same conditions as European scholars. At least two out of three training periods must be completed in a European training center.
- Experience: There are no age restrictions or prior rhinoplasty experience requirements; all qualified specialists are welcome to apply.
C. Surgical exposure during the ERM
The final procedure logbook requires scholars to have observed or participated in at least
30 septorhinoplasty procedures. Exposure ideally includes:
- Primary rhinoplasty: Preservation, structural, or oncological resection.
- Secondary rhinoplasty: Procedures involving rib or auricular cartilage
- Surgical approaches: Both open and closed.
- Additional procedures: Endonasal surgeries, such as septoplasty, turbinoplasty, pyriform aperture surgery, are considered valuable supplementary experience.
D. Becoming an ERM Training Center and Tutor
The success of the ERM Program relies on the commitment and availability of its tutors. The current list of ERM tutors is available on the EAFPS website and continues to grow. All tutors have been accredited by the ERM Committee for a preliminary two-year evaluation period, starting in 2025. The ERM welcomes new tutors from Europe and abroad who meet the following requirements:
- Memberships: The ERM Tutor is an active member of the EAFPS. Additionally, tutors from outside Europe must be members of their national facial plastic society under the umbrella of the IFFPSS.
- Commitment: The Tutor is committed to the ERM and EAFPS educational system.
- Surgical volume: The Tutor performs a minimum of 100 rhinoplasties annually (≥10 per month during ERM periods).
- Hosting scholars: The Tutor agrees to host ERM scholars without charging them fees. The tutor hosts a maximum of two ERM scholars simultaneously.
- Language: The Tutor and scholar must be able to communicate in English (national language optional if mutually agreed).
- Documentation: The Tutor is willing to review and sign the procedure logbook at the end of the ERM program.
- ERM Diplomas: ERM Tutors may apply for the ERM diploma themselves; surgical exposure is deemed fulfilled, but full documentation is required.
- Fees for season 25/26 are : 3.000€
E. The ERM Examination
After the ERM Committee has reviewed and approved all required, signed documents, the ERM scholar becomes eligible for examination. The exam is held annually before the EAFPS Annual Meeting (usually in September).
- Documentation deadline: Submission of the signed procedure logbook is required at least one month before the EAFPS Annual Meeting.
- ERM Committee: Composed of the ERM Committee Director, the EAFPS Director of Education, and one senior EAFPS officer (executive board or rhinoplasty focus group member).
- Attendance: The scholar needs to be present on-site.
- Exam Content: Scholars will first present a summary of their ERM-CV and procedure logbook, followed by oral questions on rhinoplasty.
- Diploma: The ERM diploma is awarded on-site during the EAFPS Annual Meeting.