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Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery

Radboud University Medical Center and Neuscorrectiespecialist

Due to strict healthcare regulations in the Netherlands, visiting trainees will not be permitted to perform any hands-on clinical or surgical activities. This includes direct patient contact, assisting in surgery, or engaging in procedural tasks. You will only receive a Traineeship Certificate.

-Advanced rhinoplasty surgery, functional and esthetic

-Facial Nerve Disorders & Reconstruction – Gain hands-on exposure to the most advanced techniques for facial nerve repair, reanimation, and functional restoration.

-Skin Cancer Management – Comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, and adjuvant therapies.

-Head and Neck Surgery & Free Flap Reconstruction – Observe complex head and neck tumor resections, followed by state-of-the-art microvascular free flap reconstructions.

Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) is a leading academic hospital in the Netherlands, renowned for its expertise in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. With 3 ENT Surgeons certified in Plastic Facial Surgery we are one of Europe’s biggest units in this field. The observership will take place in collaboration with Neuscorrectiespecialist (NCS), and offers participants an immersive experience in both clinical and surgical settings. NCS is a leading private practice for esthetic and functional rhinoplasty.

Clinical Exposure: Participate in outpatient clinics, ward rounds, and observe surgical procedures in the operating theater.
Multidisciplinary Meetings: Attend tumor board discussions, case reviews, and treatment planning sessions.
Research Opportunities: Engage with ongoing research projects and explore potential collaborations.

Main Areas of Interest

Advanced Rhinoplasty Surgery
Advanced Dermatology and Oncology (non-melanoma/melanoma)
Full scope Reconstructive Surgical Techniques, including Free Flaps
Facial Nerve Surgery, Facial reanimation

Specialties

Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic Surgery

Reconstruction Surgery

Techniques You Will Learn

Comprehensive approaches to advanced rhinoplasty procedures
Innovative treatments in dermatology and oncology
Advanced facial nerve surgical interventions and facial reanimation
Reconstructive techniques utilizing free flaps

Curriculum

Why This Traineeship Is an Exceptional Opportunity

This program provides a high-impact learning experience in a world-class setting offering a rare access to one of Europe’s foremost centers for facial plastic and reconstructive surgery It is ideal for physicians and trainees seeking advanced exposure to facial and head & neck surgery in one of Europe’s most regulated and respected healthcare systems. As a trainee, you will:

Shadow expert surgeons during advanced rhinoplasty, facial nerve surgery, head and neck oncology, and free flap reconstructions.

Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards, surgical planning meetings, and case-based learning sessions.
Gain insights into the Dutch healthcare ecosystem, recognized globally for its innovation and patient-centered care.
Observe clinical and surgical procedures in both academic and private practice settings.
Interact with world-renowned faculty in dermato-oncology, facial reanimation, and AI-integrated surgical techniques.
Engage in research collaborations, where feasible, aligned with your academic interests.

Your traineeship will be guided by internationally respected experts, including:

Dr. Niels van Heerbeek – Global educator in functional and esthetic rhinoplasty
Dr. Arthur Scheffer – Specialist in advanced nasal and facial reconstruction
Dr. Godelieve Damen-Verhage – Leader in dermato-oncology and congenital facial surgery; co-founder, Women in Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS)
Dr. Richard Dirven – Innovator in reconstructive techniques and AI-driven surgical optimization

Dr. Niels van Heerbeek

Is a certified otorhinolaryngologist specializing in plastic and reconstructive facial surgery. He serves as a Course Director for the International Course on Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the Nose and Face (Around the Nose) and is certified in Plastic Facial Surgery by the Dutch ENT Association and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies. In his free time, Dr. van Heerbeek trains fellow ENT doctors in Tanzania and has authored over 60 international articles, primarily focusing on functional and cosmetic nasal surgery. His expertise lies in the complex interplay between cosmetic and functional nasal surgery, and he is specialized in plastic and reconstructive facial surgery.

Dr. Arthur Scheffer

Dr. Arthur Scheffer is an otorhinolaryngologist at Radboudumc, specializing in facial surgery. He is certified in Plastic Facial Surgery by the Dutch ENT Association and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies. Dr. Scheffer serves as an instructor for the International Course on Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the Nose and Face (Around the Nose) and is a member of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS). After completing his medical training and PhD in Nijmegen, he further specialized in facial surgery, obtaining the prestigious international examination in plastic and reconstructive facial surgery in London. Since 2015, Dr. Scheffer has been a staff member at Radboudumc, dedicating significant time to research and the development of new techniques in nasal surgery. He is also responsible for training medical students and provides (international) continuing education to colleagues in ENT, dermatology, and plastic surgery. Annually, he visits the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania with Dr. van Heerbeek to assist in building medical care and knowledge.

Dr. Godelieve Damen-Verhage

Dr. Godelieve Damen-Verhage is an otorhinolaryngologist at Radboudumc, specializing in facial surgery. She is certified in Plastic Facial and Reconstructive Surgery by the Dutch ENT Association and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies. Dr. Godelieve Damen-Verhage serves as an instructor for the International Course on Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the Nose and Face (Around the Nose) and is a member of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS), even a co-founder of their Women in Facial Plastic Surgery group. Her fields of interest are rhinoplasty, reconstructive dermato-oncology and congenital anomalies of the face (cleft and other oral-facial deformity patients, auricular deformations). Besides this, she has special interest in divers topics on quality of care, being in committees regarding this matter on a local as well as on a national level.

Dr. Richard Dirven

Dr. Richard Dirven is an Otorhinolaryngologist, Head & Neck and Reconstructive surgeon at Radboudumc. Richard is a fully trained head and neck surgeon specializing in advanced head and neck and reconstructive surgery, with a strong focus on clinical research. His research centers on reconstructive techniques following extensive head and neck operations and the integration of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge IT solutions to optimize clinical processes. His work involves developing innovative surgical techniques and AI through extensive national and international multidisciplinary collaborations. Richard has been trained as a Head and Neck Surgeon at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam under supervision of Prof. MWM van den Brekel and Prof. AJM Balm. He also successfully finalized advanced reconstructive training as a head and neck surgical fellow at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, Australia under supervision of professor Jonathan R Clark.

Important Program Disclaimer – Traineeship in Advanced Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Head & Neck Surgery (Netherlands)

We are pleased to offer a unique traineeship opportunity at Radboud University Medical Center, in collaboration with Neuscorrectiespecialist (NCS). Please note that:

Due to strict healthcare regulations in the Netherlands, visiting trainees will not be permitted to perform any hands-on clinical or surgical activities. This includes direct patient contact, assisting in surgery, or engaging in procedural tasks.

However, this traineeship has been thoughtfully designed to deliver exceptional educational value through deep clinical immersion and active faculty interaction.

Accommodation

https://www.radboudumc.nl/patientenzorg/voorzieningen/voorzieningen/overnachten/hotels

https://www.radboudumc.nl/patientenzorg/voorzieningen/voorzieningen/overnachten/bed-and-breakfasts

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$1,563.00
4 weeks	$2,500.00

This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.

Who Can Apply

Physicians and surgeons from around the world are encouraged to apply.

Host Details

Host Name: Niels van Heerbeek

Affiliation: Radboud University Medical Center and Neuscorrectiespecialist

Address: Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Website URL: https://www.radboudumc.nl/afdelingen/keel-neus-oorheelkunde

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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