Call for Applications: ESTS Robotic Discovery Course

Amsterdam Skills Centre | 14–15 September 2025

The ESTS Robotic Working Group is pleased to announce the upcoming Robotic Discovery Course to be held at the Amsterdam Skills Centre on 14–15 September 2025.

The two-day course begins with lectures on robotic thoracic surgery fundamentals, including port placement strategies, the standard RATS lobectomy approach, and an introduction to the KindHeart model. Day two is dedicated to hands-on wet lab training focused on port placement, dissection, vascular control, suturing, and practical surgical tips under expert supervision.

Faculty:

• Pr. Martin EICHHORN, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany;

• Pr. Maria Teresa GOMEZ HERNANDEZ, Salamanca University Hospital, Spain;

• Dr. Rune EGGUM, Akershus University Hospital, Norway;

• Dr. Niek HUGEN, Rijnstate Hospital, Netherlands;

• Dr François MONTAGNE, Valenciennes General Hospital, France

Please see the detailed Program:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this course, applicants must:

• Be ESTS members residing in Europe

• Work at a hospital with access to a Da Vinci surgical system

• Be interested in Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS)

• Have completed at least 100 thoracoscopic procedures as the primary surgeon

• Complete online training and assessment in the module:
  Essential Multiport System Fundamentals and da Vinci Technical Skills – Xi
  (Note: In-service training is not required)

• Simulator training prior to the course is recommended

Support Provided

The course will provide:

• High-quality educational content

• Up to two nights’ accommodation

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

Selected participants may be invited to attend the Advanced ESTS Robotic Course at IRCAD, France during 2026.

How to Apply

Send your application by 1 July 2025 to Zlatka Mitreva at: zmitreva@kenes.com

Your application must include:

• A statement confirming you meet the eligibility criteria

• A current CV

• Any relevant supporting documents

This course is kindly supported by a grant from Intuitive.

 

---

View other News Articles