EUROSPINE Observership Grant – Expand Your Spine Surgery Expertise

Are you a EUROSPINE Premium or Standard Member looking to advance your surgical skills and broaden your professional horizons?

The EUROSPINE Observership Grant gives eligible members the opportunity to spend up to 14 days at another EUROSPINE member centre — gaining hands-on insights, building international networks, and deepening their expertise in spine care and research. A stipend of €1,500 supports your travel and accommodation.

What the Observership Grant Offers

  • 14 days of immersive learning — observe real-world practices, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and best-in-class pre-, intra-, and post-operative management at a EUROSPINE member centre
  • €1,500 stipend — financial support to cover travel and accommodation costs
  • Professional networking — forge lasting collaborations within the EUROSPINE community and broaden your perspective on spine care and research
  • Cultural and clinical adaptability — step beyond your comfort zone, build intercultural awareness, and grow as a clinician
  • Official certificate of attendance — awarded upon successful completion of the programme

Gain hands-on experience and improve your surgical skills by learning from the most experienced surgeons in a high-volume centre. Master the tips and tricks of pre-, intra- and post-operative management of deformity patients while combining theoretical knowledge with real-life practice.

Peter Brumat, Slovenia

Observership at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio

Eligibility – Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, both the applicant and the host must be EUROSPINE members:

  • Applicant: Must hold a current EUROSPINE Premium or Standard Membership with no outstanding membership fees
  • Host centre: Must be run by or affiliated with a EUROSPINE member who is willing to formally confirm their participation

Applications where either the applicant or the host does not hold a valid EUROSPINE membership will not be considered.

To ensure fairness, each applicant may submit only one application to a single centre per cycle. Multiple applications from the same applicant may result in disqualification for that cycle.

Application Deadlines – 2 Cycles Per Year

The Observership Grant runs twice per year. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 CEST on the relevant deadline date.

Application DeadlineReview Decision By
31 July1 October
30 November1 February

How to Apply – Step by Step

  1. Prepare your application ahead of the deadline (31 July or 30 November)
  2. Submit via the EUROSPINE website — complete and eligible applications are forwarded to reviewers
  3. Applications are assessed by the EUROSPINE Education Council based on criteria alignment, application quality, career relevance, and available funding
  4. Receive the review decision by the specified date
  5. If accepted: stipend paid within two weeks of acceptance
  6. Coordinate with your host centre to organise and complete your observership
  7. Submit a report and feedback within 30 days of completion
  8. Receive your certificate of participation

What to Include in Your Application

A complete application must include:

  • Proposed start and end dates of the observership
  • Purpose and objectives — define your goals, describe teaching methods, and outline procedures to be observed
  • Up-to-date CV in English reflecting your professional career and achievements
  • Motivation letter — explain your placement type, learning goals, and relevance to your training
  • Letter from your hospital director confirming permission to undertake the placement (paid or unpaid)
  • Letter from your host confirming their willingness to host you, including agreed dates, duration, objectives, and availability. The host must be a EUROSPINE member.
  • Evidence of participation in major European spine meetings or significant publications in spine journals (abstract or publication list)

Key Facts at a Glance

Application DeadlineReview Decision By
31 July1 October
30 November1 February

The Observership Grant runs twice per year. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 CEST on the relevant deadline date.

Late submissions will automatically be considered in the next available cycle. Incomplete applications may be resubmitted for the following cycle.

Your Journey will Inspire others

As part of the observership, selected members will be asked to document and share key moments of their experience during and after the programme. This may include:

  • Short written reflections
  • Interviews
  • Photo or video content

The EUROSPINE Marketing & Communications Team will provide support and coordinate materials to be shared across EUROSPINE channels. Your story will help showcase the programme’s impact and motivate future applicants.