Clinical Fellowship in Robotic Lymphatic Microsurgery & Lymphatic Biology

Overview

The Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery at the University Hospital Zurich provides the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, burn care and sarcoma surgery. The clinic has more than 10 years of experience in lymphatic reconstructive surgery, has been among the earliest adopters of robotic microsurgery worldwide and possesses a solid research foundation, ranging from basic to translational and clinical research.

This 3-6 month advanced fellowship trains surgeons and physician-scientists in (1) robotic-assisted microsurgery / supermicrosurgery workflows and (2) translational lymphatic biology, with a focus on lymphatic reconstruction. The fellow is integrated into a high-volume academic plastic surgery service and a structured research program linking surgical innovation to lymphatic science. The fellowship has been designed with a 60% clinical and 40% research focus to maximize the benefits of this dedicated time.

The Fellowship is unpaid. The accommodation in Zurich will be organized and sponsored by the fellow. The language during the Fellowship is English. German language knowledge is found to be helpful.

Track A:
Clinical Fellow Lymphatic Surgery, 6 months (hands-on clinical practice under supervision). Track A is designed for candidates who can legally participate in patient care in Switzerland, enabling them to have hands-on clinical practice under supervision.

Track B:
Observership Fellow, 3 months (observer status; no medical practice). For candidates who do not meet Swiss recognition/authorization requirements. The observer fellow is fully integrated into the daily clinical routine and operating theater, but without the right to perform in any surgery/ medical procedure.

Track A

• Supervised participation in outpatient clinics, perioperative care, and operating theatre activities
• Progressive clinical entrustment based on competency milestones (assistant → key procedural steps → selected cases under direct supervision)
• Participation in journal clubs and skills lab training
• Active research participation including lab meetings and data presentation

Track B

• Structured shadowing of clinical routine including ward rounds and outpatient clinics (observer role)
• Observation in the operating theatre
• Participation in journal clubs and skills lab training
• Research participation including lab meetings and data presentation

• Attendance at rounds, conferences, teaching sessions, and educational activities organized by the host clinic
• Participation in the core curriculum:
• Robotic microsurgery / supermicrosurgery training
• Simulation modules (dry- and wet-lab)
• Case-based clinical learning
• Operating room workflow orientation
• Exposure to lymphatic surgery patient evaluation and treatment pathways
• Assigned research project(s) based on fellowship duration and qualifications
• Scientific mentorship and dedicated research time
• Participation in consultations and surgical schedule (as permitted by track status)

Track A

• Medical degree enabling eligibility for clinical participation in Switzerland
• Willingness and responsibility to obtain MEBEKO recognition of medical diploma prior to fellowship start
• Ability to work in a supervised clinical environment
• Interest in lymphatic surgery and microsurgical innovation

Track B

• Medical or scientific background relevant to the fellowship field
• Interest in clinical observation and research participation
• Eligibility to participate in the fellowship in an observer capacity (no patient care activities)

• Proficiency in English (working language of the fellowship)
• German language skills considered an advantage
• Strong motivation to engage in surgical education and research
• Interest in lymphatic reconstruction and translational science
• Ability to participate in academic meetings, teaching sessions, and research activities

Supervision

Named fellowship mentors within the Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery (USZ):

Clinical part:
Prof. Dr. med. Nicole Lindenblatt, Dr. med. Jennifer Ashley Watson, Dr. med. Carmen Elena Zurfluh

Research part:
Prof. Dr. med. Nicole…