Call for Applications: ESTS Robotic Dual Courses 2027

IRCAD Centre, Strasbourg, France | 8–9 February 2027 & 3–4 May 2027

The ESTS Robotic Working Group, chaired by Prof. Jean-Marc Baste, is pleased to invite applications for two ESTS Robotic Dual Courses, taking place at the IRCAD Centre in Strasbourg, France, on 8–9 February 2027 and 3–4 May 2027.

These intensive two-day courses offer a unique opportunity for thoracic surgeons to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) through a combination of expert-led lectures and hands-on training. The dual course will combine 2 groups of beginners and more advanced surgeons with a shared time for lectures but a dedicated time for training with a different model depending on the level of the applicants.

Course Programme

Each two-day course combines theoretical teaching with intensive practical training:

Day 1 – Theoretical Sessions

Lectures - non-exhaustive list - covering the fundamentals of robotic thoracic surgery, including port placement strategies, standard RATS lobectomy and mediastinal approaches, learning curves, patient safety, bleeding management, and an introduction to the training models.

Day 2 – Hands-on Training

Practical wet lab sessions using the KindHeart model and living pig models, focusing on port placement, dissection techniques, vascular control, suturing, and essential surgical tips under the supervision of internationally recognised experts in robotic thoracic surgery. Discovery participants will train using the KindHeart model, while Advanced participants will work with live pig models, ensuring hands-on training tailored to their respective levels of experience. One expert will supervise 2 applicants training on one model during more than 6 hours on day 2. 

Training will be organised in separate groups for beginners and more advanced surgeons, with different models used according to the participants' level of experience.

Please see an example programme from a previous Dual Course.

Course Directors

• 8–9 February 2027: Prof. Didier Schneiter

• 3–4 May 2027: Prof. Jean-Marc Baste

The faculty will include internationally recognised experts in robotic thoracic surgery. Further details will be announced in due course.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be ESTS members residing in Europe.

• Work at a hospital with access to a da Vinci surgical system.

• Demonstrate a strong interest in Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS).

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

• Complete the required online training and assessment, including Essential Multiport System Fundamentals and da Vinci Technical Skills – Xi.

• Have completed simulator training (recommended).

• Submit a complete application, including a Robotic CV.

Support Provided

Selected participants will benefit from:

• High-quality educational content delivered by experienced international faculty.

• Up to two nights' accommodation, arranged by Intuitive.

• Travel arrangements, coordinated by Intuitive.

All arrangements are subject to applicable compliance requirements.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to: Zlatka Mitreva - Email: zmitreva@kenes.com

Applications must include:

• A statement confirming that all eligibility criteria are met.

• An up-to-date CV and a completed Robotic CV.

• Any relevant supporting documentation.

• An indication of the applicant's level of experience (beginner or advanced).

• The preferred course date (8–9 February 2027 or 3–4 May 2027), or confirmation of availability for both dates.

Important: Each selected candidate may attend only one of the two courses.

Application deadline: 20 November 2026

These courses are kindly supported by a grant from Intuitive.

Please note that, as a medical device company working with healthcare professionals, Intuitive is required to comply with strict regulations that may vary depending on the participant's country of practice. The applicable compliance requirements will be determined by the country in which the participant is practicing at the time of the event.

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