The CIRSE Fellowship Grant Programme is now accepting applications until February 9, 2026! The CIRSE Fellowship Grant Programme allows CIRSE members to apply for a €3,000 grant to fund a one-month stay at a European centre outside their country of residence. Programme alumni Ali Cantürk, Dejan Taneski, Nguyen Tan Tai, and Ornella Moschovaki-Zeiger spoke with CIRSE Insider about their experiences and shared advice for prospective applicants.
CIRSE Insider: How did you hear about the CIRSE Fellowship Grant Programme?
Taneski: I first learned about the programme through the CIRSE website. It immediately caught my attention as an excellent initiative offering young interventional radiologists the chance to gain experience in leading European centres.
Nguyen: At the end of 2023, I received an email from CIRSE about the fellowship programme, and that’s when I realized that it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.
Moschovaki-Zeiger: I heard about the programme when colleagues from abroad visited our department in Athens through it. After finding out more on the CIRSE website, I decided it would be a great opportunity to apply.
CIRSE Insider: Why did you decide to apply for the fellowship?
Nguyen: I had never been to a European centre before, so I felt this was an opportunity for me not only to observe cases and procedures which I have never seen, particularly in interventional oncology, but also to understand the centre’s workflow, so that my centre could offer a more optimal and more patient-centered care to our patients.
Taneski: Coming from a small country (Macedonia), I saw this programme as a unique opportunity to spend time in a top-tier centre of excellence. It was a chance not only to learn from experts in the field but also to bring valuable knowledge and experience back to my home institution.
CIRSE Insider: What was the application process like for you?
Nguyen: The process was straightforward and well-structured. The online submission portal was clear, and the required documents, such as the motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letters, allowed me to present my professional background and passion effectively. Communication from both CIRSE and the centre I applied for was timely and supportive throughout the process.
CIRSE Insider: How did you choose a training centre?
Taneski: I explored the centres on the CIRSE website one by one and focused on those offering strong neurointerventional training, as this is the area I am most passionate about. The Neuroradiology Clinic at Klinikum Stuttgart, led by Prof. Hans Henkes, stood out as an exceptional centre for neurovascular interventions, which made it the perfect choice for me.
Moschovaki-Zeiger: I completed an observership with Prof. Binkert in the past, and that experience left a lasting impression on me. I admire his pioneering mindset and approach to interventional radiology, combining clinical precision with efficiency and patient-centered care. When I later learned that he was opening a new outpatient clinic in Zurich, I was eager to experience firsthand how this practice would develop.
CIRSE Insider: How was your experience with relocating to another country?
Cantürk: It was a great experience. I wanted to visit London for a long time. I started planning my relocation about three months in advance. I was able to find a visa appointment easily, but since the hospital did not provide accommodation for fellows, I had to arrange my own housing. Finding a suitable place was quite challenging, but eventually I managed to secure one through an online accommodation platform.
Moschovaki-Zeiger: My relocation was quite smooth, as I was fortunate to have housing support from family in Zurich. I also received excellent assistance from the fantastic team at the clinic, who had prepared almost everything in advance – from insurance and access keys to apparel and radiation protection gear. They even provided practical information on commuting, including which train to take to the clinic.
Nguyen: Moving to France was an exciting experience! It was my first time relocating to a European country. I began preparing a few months beforehand, organizing my visa and travel documents as early as I could. Finding housing in Strasbourg was manageable with online resources, and fortunately, I found a place that was about a ten-minute walk to the Nouvel Hôpital Civil.
CIRSE Insider: How did you navigate taking leave from your current centre?
Cantürk: I used my annual leave for the fellowship. The leadership in my home centre was very supportive and encouraged me to take this opportunity.
Taneski: I presented my plan to my hospital management, explaining that spending a month in a leading neurovascular interventional centre would not only advance my professional growth but also benefit our institution. My colleagues and leadership were very supportive and encouraged me to take this important step. I am truly grateful for their understanding and support.
CIRSE Insider: What advice would you give someone who is interested in applying for the fellowship?
Nguyen: Make the most of every opportunity to observe, ask questions, and engage with the team. The learning experience goes far beyond procedures.
Cantürk: Anyone interested in applying for the fellowship should first determine which specific area they want to focus on. It is important to research not only the training centre but also the city, accommodation options, language barriers, and overall dynamics of the centre.
Moschovaki-Zeiger: I would just say that it’s a great opportunity to gain insight into how different departments operate. Experiencing alternative workflows and approaches can be very inspiring and allows you to bring back fresh ideas to your own department.
CIRSE Insider: What do you wish you’d known or paid attention to more during the application process?
Cantürk: If I had asked about the weekly schedule and case mix in advance, the experience would have been even better. For example, at my fellowship centre, ablation procedures were performed only two or three days a week, while the remaining days were dedicated to other types of interventions.
Taneski: If I had to point out one thing, it would be the complexity of German bureaucracy. Starting preparations early helps a lot in avoiding unnecessary stress and ensures a smooth transition before the start of the fellowship.
CIRSE Insider: What were you able to implement in your current practice as a result of your fellowship?
Moschovaki-Zeiger: I had the opportunity to observe procedures and treatments not routinely performed in my department in Athens, which provided me with a broader clinical perspective. I have also incorporated, where feasible, the one-day outpatient model from Prof. Binkert’s clinic.
Cantürk: I learned a lot about procedural planning. Starting the day with the team and discussing each patient in detail is vital for maintaining an efficient workflow and optimizing practice. In addition, I gained valuable experience with different ablation methods and interventional approaches.
Taneski: I implemented several insights gained from my time at Klinikum Stuttgart, including workflow organisation during neurointerventional procedures, stricter adherence to peri-procedural safety protocols, and a more structured approach to case discussions and follow-up. The experience also inspired me to promote a stronger team-based approach and introduce educational discussions within our department, mirroring the collaborative environment I witnessed during my fellowship.
