Fellowship in Thoracic Endoscopy (FTE)

The Fellowship in Thoracic Endoscopy (FTE) under the specialty of Thoracic Surgery is designed to provide advanced training in endoscopic techniques for diagnosing and treating thoracic diseases. This fellowship is ideal for surgeons who have completed their general surgery or thoracic surgery training and are looking to specialize further in thoracic endoscopy. The duration of the program is generally 12 months but may vary depending on the institute offering the program. The program focuses on clinical training so that fellows gain extensive hands-on experience in various thoracic endoscopic procedures, including bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, and mediastinoscopy.

The Fellowship in Thoracic Endoscopy (FTE) provides in-depth exposure to advanced endoscopic procedures aimed at diagnosing and treating thoracic conditions like lung cancer, pulmonary diseases, esophageal disorders, and mediastinal diseases.

To be eligible for the Fellowship in Thoracic Endoscopy, you should have:

• Completed your General Surgery or Thoracic Surgery residency program.
• Some institutions may require additional qualifications or experience in related surgical fields.

The fellowship lasts for 12 months, focusing on clinical training and practical experience in thoracic endoscopy.

The fees for the fellowship range from ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000, depending on the institution and the resources provided.

This fellowship is ideal for:

• Surgeons who have already completed general surgery or thoracic surgery and want to specialize further in endoscopic procedures.
• Thoracic surgeons or general surgeons who wish to improve their skills in minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
• Surgeons seeking to gain expertise in treating conditions like lung diseases, esophageal disorders, and mediastinal diseases.

One should pursue this fellowship in thoracic Endoscopy as:

• The fellowship offers you the advanced skills necessary to perform complex endoscopic procedures such as bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, and esophagoscopy.
• It equips you with expertise in diagnosing and treating thoracic conditions using minimally invasive methods, which are becoming more common in modern surgery.

To be eligible for this fellowship in thoracic Endoscopy:

• NEET SS is required for admission to most institutions offering the fellowship.
• Some institutes may conduct an interview or additional evaluation as part of the selection process.

The admission process for this fellowship is simple and candidate need to:

• Submit Application: Apply online through the official portal of the respective institution.
• Selection: Based on merit, with an entrance exam and/or interview.
• Confirm Admission: Once selected, confirm your place by paying the required fees.

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh
2. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
3. Narayana Health, Bengaluru

After completing the Fellowship in Thoracic Endoscopy, graduates can work in:

• Thoracic surgery departments in hospitals.
• Minimally invasive surgery centers that specialize in thoracic endoscopy.
• Research roles in the field of thoracic surgery and endoscopy.

There are many study options after completing the fellowship in thoracic endoscopy like:

• Postdoctoral Fellowships in Thoracic Surgery or Endoscopic Surgery.
• Specialization in Lung Transplantation or Cardiothoracic Surgery.
• Advanced certifications in Robotic Thoracic Surgery. 

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Thoracic Endoscopic Surgeon in hospitals, private clinics, or surgical centers.
• Consultant for endoscopic thoracic procedures.
• Academic positions in universities focusing on endoscopic training.