ESGAR – ARGANZ Fellowship Exchange Programme
General Information
ESGAR and ARGANZ (Abdominal Radiology Group of Australia and New Zealand) are excited to announce the continuation of the collaborative fellowship exchange, started in 2026. This initiative is designed to enhance international professional development and foster global collaboration in abdominal radiology.
Each year, one ESGAR member will have the opportunity to undertake a 3-month observership in Australia or New Zealand, hosted by an ARGANZ-affiliated training centre. In parallel, one Australian/New Zealand radiologist will travel to Europe for a similar experience at an ESGAR-affiliated institution.
Duration
Opportunity for two 6 week observerships at hospitals in Australia and New Zealand, with the option of 3 months in one location
The 2027 ARGANZ meeting is in Sydney, New South Wales, March 20 - 21, 2027. The Fellow will be provided with free registration for onsite attendance, but will need to cover their own flights and accommodation.
Location
At one of the following training centres (to be chosen by the applicant during the application process)
Training centres offering this opportunity
Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Radiologist contacts: A/Prof Damien Stella (ARGANZ rectal and adrenal focus groups) & Dr Wayland Wang
The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is a busy tertiary hospital covering all adult non-obstetric/non-gynaecological work, and is one of two accredited Trauma Centres in Melbourne. It also covers a broad range of abdominal and pelvic imaging, including busy MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound services. There are weekly Multidisciplinary Meetings (MDM) for HPB, HCC, CRC, gastroenterology and urology, as well as a fortnightly IBD MDM.
The ESGAR-ARGANZ Fellow can expect to observe MDM preparation and presentation, sit alongside abdominal radiologists during reporting sessions (US including CEUS, CT, MRI) and have an opportunity to review cases independently.
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Radiologist contact: Dr Timothy Wastney, Dr Arj Somasundaram (ARGANZ executive)
The Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital is a busy tertiary hospital with a large trauma, oncological and obstetric patient base. It is the largest hospital in the state of Queensland, and is firmly established as a word-leading healthcare, research and innovation hub.
The ESGAR-ARGANZ fellow can expect to observe MDM preparation and presentation, and sit alongside abdominal and oncological radiologist reporting sessions. RBWH performs a large volume of abdominal and pelvic MRI and CT for multiple surgical disciplines, and conducts regular MDMs for urology, hepatobiliary, HCC, IBD, colorectal, gastroenterology, pelvic exenteration, complicated hernias, maternal-fetal-medicine, and gynae oncology.
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
Radiologist contacts: Dr Verity Wood (ARGANZ executive), Dr Edward Ganly
Christchurch hospital is the largest hospital in the South Island of New Zealand, located in the centre of Christchurch city, and serves the wider Canterbury region. It is a tertiary referral hospital with a many subspecialist based radiologists and large volume of clinical meetings. It is a major trauma centre and has a busy Emergency department.
The ESGAR-ARGANZ Fellow can expect to observe MDM (Multidisciplinary Meeting) preparation and presentation, sit alongside abdominal and oncologic radiologists during reporting sessions (including US, CT and MRI) and have an opportunity to review cases independently.
Eligibility
ESGAR Fellows or Active Members for at least three years, in good standing who are board-certified radiologists within 5 years of certification. Applicant must be fluent in English language.
Financial Support
ESGAR will provide a ONE € 5.000,00 travel grant upon completion of the fellowship and provision of a final report about the fellowships.
Hosting
Training and mentorship provided free of charge by the hosting centre.
Additional Benefits
Complimentary registration to the ARGANZ Annual Meeting during the fellowship period, Sydney, NSW, March 20-21.
Application Details
• Deadline: September 2, 2026
• Required documents:
- Completed application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (please use ESGAR template)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter from head of department
Application process
Please note: This fellowship is an observership, not a clinical position, and participants must apply for a tourist visa (not a work visa). Accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the fellow, though support will be provided by the hosting centre.
Terms & conditions
Please click here to read the terms & conditions.
We warmly invite young radiologists to apply for this enriching experience and become part of this exciting new global exchange programme.
For any questions, please contact the ESGAR Office.
Successful applicants 2026
ESGAR Fellow visiting Australia/New Zealand
Katharina Lampichler (Vienna/AT) → Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW/AU
ARGANZ Fellow visiting Europe
Ayesha Arora (Canberra/AU) → University College London, London/UK
ESGAR - ESOR Exchange Programme
General Information
The trend toward increasing subspecialisation led the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), supported by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European School of Radiology (ESOR), to take the initiative in establishing an exchange programme for fellowships or subspecialisation training in abdominal imaging.
Aim
The application of new technologies to abdominal and gastrointestinal radiology has resulted in amazing breakthroughs, with rapid development and refinement of sophisticated diagnostic imaging tests. These technologic advances over the past decade have affected the requirements for the practice of abdominal imaging.
The Exchange Programme for Abdominal Imaging Fellowship offers an opportunity to complement subspecialisation training in abdominal imaging or an existing structured fellowship programme, through exchange, in this field of radiology. The three months exchange programme will provide an intense modular training in all areas of abdominal imaging, including conventional radiology and fluoroscopy, sonography, CT, MRI, and image-guided biopsies and therapeutic interventions.
The exchange programme is organised through ESOR and will expose trainees to all aspects of abdominal imaging under the supervision of an assigned mentor who is fellow member of ESGAR, in a pre-selected European reference training centre.
Number of available places
There are five fellowship positions available between September and December 2026, with training opportunities at several prestigious centres across Europe.
Eligibility
- This exchange programme applies to radiologists within the first three years after certification, who desire to become subspecialist radiologists.
- The applicant must have knowledge of current clinical practice in radiology with regard to cross-sectional imaging. Competence in producing a radiological report, in communication with clinicians and patients, and knowledge of the principles of administration and management applied to a clinical department with multi-disciplinary staff and high-cost equipment are essential. Understanding the medicolegal implications of uncertainty and errors in diagnostic radiology is necessary. A clinical background in other disciplines which was achieved through clinical experience and training prior to entering the fellowship is important, whereas, clinical experience in gastroenterology, oncology or visceral surgery would be a benefit.
- Applicants must be proficient in English.
- ESR and ESGAR membership fees for the respective year must be settled.
Application
For further details on the application process and a complete list of participating centres, please visit the ESOR website
Application for 2026 is closed
Successful applicants 2026
Filip Brkić (Zagreb/HR) → University Hospital of Padova, Padua/IT
Luis Lorenzo Chan (Quezon City/PH) → Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, University of Sorbonne, Paris/FR
Ketevan Inaneishvil (Tbilisi/GE) → Policlinico G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona/IT
Mariko Melanie Renzulli (Zurich/CH) → Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome/IT
Chrysovalantis Stylianou (Alexandroupolis/GR) → Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza/IT
Mariliis Tiidermann (Haaslava/EE) → Beaujon Hospital, Paris/FR
Annelies Van Breda (Beerse/BE) → Ca' Foncello General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso/IT
Successful applicants 2025
Giulio Bagnacci (Siena/IT) → Lapeyronie University Hospital, Montpellier/FR
Laura Cavero Barreras (San Sebastian/ES) → Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo die Tintori Monza, Monza/IT
Ümmühan Ebru Karabulut (Istanbul/TR) → Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo/IT
Tomáš Koutný (Prague/CZ) → General Hospital Treviso, Treviso/IT
Cosmin Rusneac (Cluj-Napoca/RO) → Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Paris/FR
Giulio Bagnacci, Siena/IT
During my ESOR exchange fellowship in abdominal imaging at CHU Lapeyronie in Montpellier, I was able to develop both clinically and academically. I strengthened my expertise in benign gynaecological imaging and prostate cancer imaging, focusing particularly on optimising MRI protocols and interpreting images. I also gained valuable experience in acute abdominal conditions and trauma by being exposed to a wide range of emergency CT scans. At the same time, I contributed to a multicentre study, which provided me with valuable insight into the design, coordination and execution of collaborative research. Observing a different organisation of clinical work and training was also truly inspiring. This fellowship has significantly broadened my perspective and will greatly Benefit my future clinical practice, research projects and teaching activities.
Laura Cavero Barreras, San Sebastian/ES
I am truly grateful to ESOR for granting me this unique opportunity to participate in a three-month fellowship program focused on Abdominal Imaging at the Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori. It has been a remarkable experience, enriching me both professionally and personally. During my fellowship, I have participated in multiple multidisciplinary meetings, reporting sessions, and research projects. This experience has provided me with a solid foundation in the field of hepato-pancreato-biliary pathologies, particularly on autoimmune hepato-biliary diseases, which will enhance my daily clinical practice. My deepest gratitude to Prof. Ippolito, Dr. Maino, and Dr. Franco for their guidance and support throughout my fellowship. Their expertise and dedication have been remarkable in my learning and growth during this period. I would highly recommend this fellowship to any colleague interested in advancing their skills and experiences abroad.
Ümmühan Ebru Karabulut, Istanbul/TR
This program had long been a professional aspiration of mine, and it exceeded my expectations. Working with my mentors, Dr. Roberto Cannella and Dr. Federica Vernuccio, and being in the same Department as Professor Giuseppe Brancatelli was a highly rewarding experience. I gained broad exposure to abdominal imaging, particularly hepatic lesions and diffuse liver diseases, and observed a wide range of pancreatic, biliary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary pathologies. I also attended multidisciplinary meetings and contributed to two research projects, which enriched my clinical and academic skills. Living in Palermo and Sicily for three months was a wonderful cultural experience, and I am deeply grateful to ESOR and ESGAR for this opportunity.
Tomáš Koutný, Prague/CZ
The ESOR fellowship in Treviso was a valuable professional experience that allowed me to observe the workflow of a high-volume abdominal imaging centre. I gained insight into local MRI protocols, clinical decision-making and daily reporting routines, as well as the organisational aspects that shape their diagnostic approach. I appreciated the opportunity to attend educational courses and multidisciplinary meetings organised by Professor Giovanni Morana, and the extensive teaching archive further enriched my learning. Although the schedule allowed only limited time with Professor Morana, the discussions we had were highly enlightening. Overall, the fellowship broadened my perspective and will positively influence my radiological practice at home.
Cosmin Rusneac, Cluj-Napoca/RO
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being accepted into the ESOR Fellowship Programme and for the opportunity to join the radiology department of Saint Joseph Hospital in Paris. I was honored to be mentored during this period by Dr. Marc Zins in abdominal radiology, with particular emphasis on pancreatic and intestinal pathologies. Throughout the fellowship, I participated in frequent multidisciplinary meetings, discussed primarily abdominal but also other subspecialty imaging examinations, learned new imaging protocols and had the privilege of being part of the team, even if only for a short time. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Dr. Marc Zins, as well as to Dr. Boulay, Dr. Haouari, and Dr. Yepremian and to all colleagues who generously shared their extensive knowledge and expertise. I would also like to highlight the residents’ group present during my stay, who were exceptionally welcoming and supportive, greatly facilitating my integration and my time in Paris. This fellowship will undoubtedly contribute significantly to my overall clinical practice, and I can strongly recommend that anyone interested apply for an ESOR fellowship in the future.