SSO-ESSO International Career Development Exchange Programme

The International Career Development Exchange Programme (ICDE) is a joint educational initiative between ESSO and SSO that provides support for an ESSO up-and-coming, early career surgical oncologist with leadership potential, to receive one-on-one mentoring and engagement with a distinguished senior member of SSO.

Application opens for ICDE 2027

2027 programme opportunities for ESSO Young Surgeons

Complimentary registration for SSO 2027 in Washington D.C.

Participation in a one-week clinical observership at a US-based SSO member’s institution

An SSO mentor will be matched to the selected surgeon with the goal that a long-term professional relationship will develop and continue over the course of the participant’s career.

The programme is supported with a grant of $3000.

Required Documents

(to be submitted during the application process - only in English)

Should mention present and previous positions held (include dates from and to), relevant publications and presentations to learned societies

Letter of Support

From Head of Department or Mentor, mentioning the expected impact of the programme on the applicant’s development, and the applicant’s opportunities to share the knowledge gained upon returning home

Motivation Letter

Should include the following:

1. Background – Provide an overview of the applicant's oncology background and a description of oncology in applicant's region of the world.

2. Specific Objectives – State concisely and realistically how attending the SSO Annual Meeting and being mentored by an SSO member at a cancer centre in the US will impact applicant's work and oncology in their country/region. List specific objectives that the applicant wish to accomplish while participating in the programme.

3. Future Plans – Dissemination of the knowledge gained is an important element of the ICDE programme. State how the applicant will apply what they learn during the SSO Annual Meeting and the time spent with their mentor at a US cancer centre. Provide examples of lectures, meetings, and any other future plans the applicant will carry out after returning to their home country.

Further Information

Please click here for full details.

Practical Information

- The selected candidate will be granted a One-year SSO membership.
- The $3000 USD will be provided at SSO 2027 via electronic means.
- The visit to the US institution will be arranged by SSO staff.

Candidate Commitment

- The selected candidate will commit to submit a summary report about the experience and complete a survey inmediately after completing the program, along with any follow-ups requested by SSO.
- The selected candidate might be asked to record audio or video interviews regarding the experience.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be an ESSO member at both the time of application and the time of going to US
- Be 45 years old or younger at the time of application
- Live and work in Europe

Key Dates

- 3 July, 2026: deadline to apply
- 14 July, 2026: communication of results to candidates

Apply Now

Before applying, please read carefully the information related to the eligibility criteria above. Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact ESSO Education Manager – Ana Galan (ana.galan@essoweb.org)