This clinical fellowship offers 3–6 months of intensive, practice-oriented training in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. The position is open to certified breast or plastic surgeons as well as final-year surgical trainees, and provides direct experience in surgical oncology, oncoplastic techniques, and breast reconstruction. Fellows work closely with a multidisciplinary team in high-volume breast centres in Switzerland and receive a certificate upon completion. 

Key Facts 

3–6 months | Switzerland | CHF 3000 monthly stipend 

• Diverse, challenging, and high-volume caseloads
• Assistance in operating theatres, clinics, ward rounds, and research
• Observation of multidisciplinary tumour boards and clinical decision-making
• Training in oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques
• Integrated learning across diagnostics, oncology, and genetic counselling
• Certificate of completion 

The aim of our fellowship programme is to provide fellows with a broad and in-depth engagement in oncoplastic breast surgery. To fully benefit, we recommend a three- to six-month fellowship, which can be individually arranged.

Clinical Experience 

Fellows follow a structured weekly schedule including: 

• 3–4 operating sessions per week
• 1–2 outpatient clinics, including new and follow-up consultations
• Daily ward rounds
• Participation in clinical research (optional but supported) 

Scope of Training 

Fellows gain experience in: 

• Imaging diagnostics (ultrasound, biopsy, mammography)
• Intraoperative localisation techniques
• Oncology and risk-reducing breast surgery
• Oncoplastic surgical techniques
• Breast reconstruction (implant-based and autologous)
• Aesthetic and revision procedures (lipofilling, implant exchange, symmetrisation, augmentation, reduction, etc.) 

Clinical Setting 

The programme is offered by Affidea brustCare Zurich in collaboration with Affidea Plastic Surgery Group, across several high-performance sites: 

• Hirslanden Clinic, Zurich
• Swiss Day Clinic, Fällanden
• Affidea brustCare Zurich and Affidea Plastic Surgery Group, Zurich
• Bethanien Private Clinic 

Affidea brustCare Zurich follows a rigorous clinical pathway in breast medicine, generating extensive diagnostic and imaging work. It is Switzerland’s highest-volume breast cancer centre, where fellows gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in breast cancer diagnostics and surgery.

The Plastic Surgery Group in Zurich performs around 180 autologous reconstructions, 100 implant-based reconstructions, and 170 aesthetic procedures annually. 

Eligibility 

Applications are open to:

• Certified breast or plastic surgeons
• Final-year trainees in an accredited surgical programme

We accept two to three fellows per year, with intake in January and July depending on availability. 

Funding 

This is an unpaid clinical fellowship. Fellows may receive a monthly stipend of CHF 3000 to cover living expenses.

Application Process 

Please submit the following documents to brustcare.zuerich@affidea.ch:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Two reference letters
• Copy of passport or residence permit 

Deadline 

At least 12 months before the intended start date. Late applications may be considered depending on availability.

Suitable candidates will be invited to an interview in person or via Zoom.