IFSO Observership Program 2026

Also this year, IFSO is pleased to offer to its young and deserving members the "IFSO Observership Program in Metabolic Bariatric Surgery 2026".

The Observership is meant to offer members in the early phase of their career the chance to visit the best MBS centres in the world for a period of one to three weeks, to do an amazing experience and bring back home knowledge and new skills.

At the end of the Observership the applicant will receive a Certificate to testify that he/she has completed the Observership Program. The winners who complete the Observership before the IFSO World Congress in Toronto in September 2026 will receive their Certificate during the Congress, handed over by the IFSO President.

EDUCATIONAL GRANT SUPPORT

• IFSO will provide an educational grant to cover all expenses related to the Observership, for a period ranging from a minimum of one week to a maximum of three weeks. The total amount of the grant will be USD 2,500
• Any additional expense will be at the Observer's charge

LIST OF HOSPITALS

• IFSO has identified a list of the best and most renown hospitals in the different IFSO Chapters to offer the best experience to its young members. Click below to download the list of Hospitals
• Each of these hospitals have the following requirements: Routine protocols, Logistic support, >200 MBS cases/year, Multidisciplinary team
• When choosing your preferred hospitals please take into consideration potential visa issues that can prevent you from travelling to that specific country

APPLICANTS' MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be IFSO Members in good standing, graduates of schools of medicine
• Applicants are eligible if they have finished a fellowship in MBS OR have been in an MBS program for at least 2 years
• Applicants have finished their residency or training period not longer than 5 years ago

Applicants may only be awarded this grant once

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

1. Application form
2. A one page CV
3. A one page personal statement covering:
   • Overall future career aim in MBS
   • What is the next step in career development
   • Why the Observership will help the Applicant in his/her career
   • How the Observership will help contribute to the development of MBS in the Applicant's home country
4. A Letter of Recommendation from the Head of Department/Professional Mentor/IFSO Member who vouches for the applicant, with the following info:
   • Type and Number of MBS cases performed by the applicant
   • Current level of experience
   • Proposed career development

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS: FEBRUARY 28, 2026

To apply please send an email to info@ifso.com with the following documents:

1. Application form
2. CV
3. Personal statement
4. Letter of recommendation

START OF THE OBSERVERSHIP: MARCH – AUGUST 2026