The Breast Unit at IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, directed by Prof. Corrado Tinterri, is an EUSOMA-certified centre of excellence with a high-volume surgical programme, active translational research, and strong multidisciplinary integration. It offers an ideal environment for structured observership focused on contemporary axillary management.
This 4-week observership at IRCCS provides intensive, topic-specific exposure to contemporary axillary surgery in breast cancer, integrating surgical technique, oncological decision-making, multidisciplinary care, and evidence-based practice at a leading European breast unit — without hands-on operative responsibility.
Programme Details
Host Institution:
IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital
Milan, Italy
Duration:
4 weeks
Expected Start Date:
January 2027 – exact date to be discussed with the hospital
Programme Structure (4 Weeks)
Week 1 – Orientation & Institutional Framework
Week 2 – Topic-Focused Surgical Exposure: Axillary Surgery
Week 3 – Multidisciplinary & Translational Integration
Week 4 – Consolidation, Knowledge Transfer & Critical Appraisal
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Board-certified specialists, or
- Final-year trainees
in one of the following disciplines:
- Breast Surgery
- General Surgery
- Gynaecology
- Surgical Oncology
Learning Objectives
By the end of the observership, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current evidence base guiding axillary surgical decision-making (Z0011, SINODAR-ONE, AMAROS, SENOMAC, TAXIS, ACOSOG Z1071)
- Explain the technical steps and oncological rationale of SLNB, TAD, and selective ALND
- Discuss indications for axillary de-escalation in clinically node-positive and post-neoadjuvant patients
- Articulate the MDT-driven process for axillary staging, treatment sequencing, and post-NAC re-evaluation
- Identify quality indicators and morbidity outcomes relevant to axillary surgery (lymphoedema rates, false-negative rate of SLNB, nodal recurrence)
- Critically appraise current guidelines (EUSOMA, ESSO, St. Gallen, NCCN) and their applicability
- Propose feasible improvements for axillary surgical practice at their home institution
Application Process & Fee
Apply by sending your application form, together with the supporting documents, to breso@essoweb.org.
Deadline: Sunday, 22 Nov, 2026.
Admin Fee: € 1350
We encourage interested ESSO members to apply early.
