General rules and guidelines for an EAFPS fellowship

Introduction

The European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS) aims to train, maintain, and uphold the highest quality in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through its recognized Fellowship training program and Certification process. This ensures training compliance, with all member Societies involved, maintains uniformity at the highest standards of training to reassure the patients and the public. Although fellows do get a completion certificate once they complete their programme, they are expected to take up Board examination in Facial Plastic Surgery which will then lead to Board certification.

Mandatory requirements:

1. The applicant is a current resident in Europe or an “EAFPS affiliated” country.
2. The applicant has a Medical Degree (MD) and has completed specialist surgical training in Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery and Plastic Surgery and has passed the respective specialty examinations of the member societies country(‘s).
3. This specialist surgical training has been completed in a European centre.
4. The applicant is supported by two current EAFPS members, with at least one Board Certified in FPRS.
5. The applicant must be a member of EAFPS.

General rules of the EAPFS fellowship program

1. The duration of the fellowship is a minimum of one year – lesser periods are not accepted. All centres must be accredited by the EAFPS and/or IFFPSS
2. The EAFPS recommends completing the fellowship within one year, where not possible, the duration may be extended to a maximum of 2 years.
3. The Fellowship may be organized in more than one centre, with a mandatory 6-month period in the main fellowship centre. The EAFPS recommends discussing the sequence, content, and individual educational requirements with your mentor(s).
4. All fellows are expected to take the Board examination in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The EAPFS recommends taking the exam at the end or earliest opportunity on completion of fellowship.

 

How to apply for an officially certified EAFPS fellowship

1. Download the EAFPS fellowship application form on the EAFPS website (from A.1.2).
2. Check if you meet the EAFPS’s mandatory requirements.
3. Complete the application form typed (handwritten applications will not be accepted).
4. The following documents must be supplied with the application.
   1. Letter of support from two current EAFPS members, of which at least one must be Board Certified in FPRS.
   2. Curriculum Vitae
   3. Medical degree and completion of specialist training certificates.
5. Email application with required documents to fellowshipprogram@eafps.org

Important dates and fellowship guidelines:

1. The closing date for application is December 31^st.
2. Shortlisted applicants based on “selection criteria” (see below) will be contacted by the Chair of fellowship committee in February.
3. The interviews will take place in March.
4. Results of interview will be announced immediately after with merit-based ranking.
5. Based on ranking order applicants will have priority to choose their fellowship centre.
6. Following provides guidelines for fellowship models to choose from over a 12-month period.

Visiting more than one centre is advised to facilitate wider exposure and perspective. No more than 4 centres should be included in the programme with no less than 6 months in the main centre.

7. All fellowships must commence the fellowship on July 1^st or January 1^st and complete within a maximum of two years.
8. A certificate will be issued by EAFPS on satisfactorily completing the fellowship programme
9. All fellows are expected to sit the board exam in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Selection Criteria

1. The following are considered in the selection process:
   1. Grading system
   2. Interview with Fellowship Committee and Executive Board Members

The Grading system categories are listed below:

1. Published peer-reviewed papers and/or book chapter(s) on Facial Plastic Surgery written in the English language

a1: First author
a2: Not First author

2. Research projects in Facial Plastic Surgery

Masters or Relevant research >1 year
PhD thesis (accepted/defended successfully)

3. Working visits or observerships in an IFFPRSS recognised centre

Observerships
Masterclasses

4. Courses or meetings in Facial Plastic Surgery

d1 Didactic lecture course/meeting
d2: Hands on course/meetings

5. Surgical procedures in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Observations/assisted only
Performed

 

Funding for Fellows

The EAFPS Board of Education strives towards a fair and transparent decision-making process regarding funding of its Fellows to attract the best talent. Eligibility criteria include essential credentials, demonstrable dedication and experience in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The number of Funded Fellows is determined each year by the EAFPS Executive Board.

Retrospective funding is strictly forbidden.

Funding is only provided to fellows who start/have started their accredited program in the same year that funding is awarded.