This one-month observership offers intensive, topic-focused exposure to modern breast surgical oncology practice within a high-volume European centre.
Applying for a one-month breast surgery observership at Gustave Roussy Hospital may offer the opportunity to immerse the observers in world-class clinical practice, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching within one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.
Programme Details
Host Institution:
Gustave Roussy — Paris Region, France
Paris, France
Duration:
1 month
Start Date:
Early 2027 – to be discussed with the hospital
What to expect:
- Breast reconstruction— Broad experience across immediate and delayed reconstruction, including implant‑based approaches, free flaps (DIEP, PAP, Gracilis…), latissimus dorsi flaps, fat grafting.
- Oncoplastic breast surgery —techniques including inverted‑T oncoplastic procedures, round block mastopexy and glandular remodelling, local perforator flaps (AICAP, LICAP), with immediate reconstruction pathways and joint oncologic–reconstructive planning.
- Microsurgery— France’s highest‑volume centre for breast reconstruction, performing more DIEP flaps than any other institution in the country.
- Minimally invasive breast surgery — Endoscopic and robotic (Da Vinci SP) approaches for implant‑based reconstruction and selected autologous flap harvests, enabling reduced scarring and precise pocket/dissection control.
- Advanced tumour and node localization – localization of non-palpable lesions with magnetic seeds, and fluorescence guided sentinel lymph node mapping for precise, radiation free node identification.
- Multidisciplinary oncologic environment — Every decision is embedded within an integrated oncologic pathway, with direct access to tumour boards, oncologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists for rigorous planning.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to ESSO members who are:
- Board-certified specialists, or
- Final-year trainees
in one of the following disciplines:
- Breast Surgery
- General Surgery
- Gynaecology
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Learning Objectives
By the end of the observership, participants should be able to:
- Describe evidence-based surgical management for the selected topic
- Explain MDT-driven decision pathways in breast cancer care
- Critically appraise surgical indications and alternative treatment strategies
- Propose feasible, guideline-concordant improvements applicable to their home institution
Application Process & Fee
Apply by sending your application form, together with the supporting documents, to breso@essoweb.org.
Deadline: Sunday, 8 Nov, 2026.
Admin Fee: € 1350 – covered by G.Re.T.A.
Institut Goustave Roussy Fee: € 1350 – to be paid after application approval
Funding
Participation in the observership is partially supported by G.Re.T.A.
We encourage interested ESSO members to apply early.
