Esophageal and Upper GI Surgery Fellowship

Programme overview

Advanced clinical and academic esophageal/upper GI fellowship, including oncologic, benign, complex and redo surgery. The published January–December 2027 cycle had an October 2026 application deadline.

Intake status: Applications closed for the documented 2027 cycle; deadline 15 October 2026 has passed.

A published programme or position count does not establish a current vacancy.

Training and clinical exposure

Three to four clinical days and one to two academic days weekly; open, minimally invasive and robotic esophageal surgery, hiatal hernia/anti-reflux and redo procedures, perioperative care and multidisciplinary work. Clinical/translational research includes an expected international presentation and peer-reviewed publication.Source linkedField source ↗

International applicant assessment

Acceptance, medical registration and immigration are separate decisions. Clinical training does not automatically confer operative privileges.

Can international surgeons apply?

Qualifications must be eligible for recognition in Belgium and the applicant must relocate to Leuven; the advert does not publish a citizenship restriction or visa-sponsorship commitment.Source linkedField source ↗

Clinical role and hands-on restrictions

Stepwise operative teaching with supervision and progressive responsibility; joint/supervised upper-GI on-call work, conditional on recognised qualifications.Source linkedField source ↗

Medical registration

Medical/specialist qualifications must be eligible for recognition in Belgium; no automatic clinical permission is implied.Source linkedField source ↗

Language

At least C1 Dutch, French or German for the employment contract, plus fluency in English.Source linkedField source ↗

Visa or work authorisation

Not yet confirmed from an official sourceNot yet confirmed

Application timeline and contact

Application deadline

15 October 2026Source linkedField source ↗

Commencement / intake

January 2027; ends December 2027Source linkedField source ↗

Application cycle

2027 intake: deadline 15 October 2026; feedback promised by mid-November 2026. No later cycle is announced in the captured advert.Source linkedField source ↗

Published positions — not remaining vacancies

Not yet confirmed from an official sourceNot yet confirmed

How to apply

The documented call requested documents by email to philippe.nafteux@uzleuven.be and lieven.depypere@uzleuven.be before 15 October 2026. This deadline has passed.Source linkedField source ↗

Official programme contact

Philippe Nafteux: philippe.nafteux@uzleuven.be; Lieven Depypere: lieven.depypere@uzleuven.beSource linkedField source ↗

Download published deadline (.ics) · Confirm the date and timezone with the host; historical deadlines may remain in the record.

Eligibility and application documents

Published entry requirements

General, visceral or thoracic surgery training completed by the fellowship start, with qualifications eligible for recognition in Belgium; ability to relocate and participate in research. Prior upper GI experience is advantageous, not mandatory.Source linkedField source ↗

Application documents

• CV
• Proof of specialist certification
• Motivation letter

Source linkedField source ↗

Benefits, funding and costs

Salary or funding

The advert states a competitive salary under applicable Belgian fellowship regulations; no amount is published.Source linkedField source ↗

Fees and upfront expenses

Not yet confirmed from an official sourceNot yet confirmed

Benefits and support

Preparation and support for the UEMS European Board Examination in Upper GI Surgery; this is not a claim of accreditation or guaranteed examination success.Source linkedField source ↗

Accommodation or relocation

Not yet confirmed from an official sourceNot yet confirmed

Unknown funding does not mean unpaid; unknown fees do not mean free. Confirm the written appointment terms before committing.

Host institution

University Hospitals Leuven

University Hospitals Leuven hosts 5 focused SurgFellow programme records in Belgium. Source-linked profiles distinguish clinical training from observation and do not imply current recruitment or operative permission.

Institution website ↗

Faculty and contacts

PN

Programme director, esophageal cancer surgeryPhilippe Nafteuxphilippe.nafteux@uzleuven.be

LD

Head of departmentLieven Depyperelieven.depypere@uzleuven.be

Names and roles reflect captured sources; rosters may change. Initials are placeholders, not verified photographs.