DESTINATION DIRECTORY

Orthopaedic Fellowship Programs in Italy

Italy combines specialist hospital programmes, Rizzoli foreign-doctor routes, sports and knee surgery fellowships, shoulder education centres and AO Trauma host-centre exposure in cities such as Bologna, Milan, Rome and Turin.

38Total programs
10Subspecialties
38Clinical & visiting
0Research
8Network host institutions
APPLICANT GUIDE

How to use the Italy orthopaedic fellowship directory

Italian orthopaedic fellowship discovery often mixes formal hospital attachments, private-practice fellowships, society education-centre visits and AO host-centre placements.

Application approach

OrthoFellow separates published deadlines, host identity, language and registration caveats so applicants can distinguish a current application route from a recognised education centre or observership.

  • Confirm whether the pathway is a clinical fellowship, voluntary attendance, observership, AO placement or society education-centre visit.
  • Check Italian or English working-language requirements with the host department.
  • Verify medical registration, insurance, occupational-health and visa requirements before arranging travel.
  • Use official source pages for application dates, especially Rizzoli and society-run calls.
  • Compare Bologna, Milan, Rome and Turin by subspecialty rather than assuming one national application route.

Deadlines and documents

Italy includes fixed institutional deadlines, direct-enquiry observerships and AO or society-cycle timing. Exact dates are shown only when official sources publish them.

Common documents include current cv with operative, research and teaching experience, motivation statement explaining subspecialty goals and host fit, medical degree, orthopaedic training certificate and board or college evidence where required, two or three references, often including a programme director or current head of department, passport, registration, visa or occupational-health documents when the hospital requires them.

Language, registration and visa

Clinical access depends on host approval, Italian regulatory rules, insurance and the role. Observerships and voluntary attendance may have different requirements from hands-on fellowships.

Funding varies. Some pathways publish no salary or stipend, while AO placements describe stipend support as a contribution rather than full funding.

VERIFIED NETWORK HOSTS

Institutions you can explore

Hospital and clinic profiles connected to an official fellowship or education-centre pathway. A recognised host does not automatically mean that a position is open.

Hip & Knee · Official network

Casa di Cura Città di Parma

⌖ Parma · Host: Giuseppe Adravanti

View within pathway →
Hip & Knee · Official network

Clinica San Francesco

⌖ Verona · Host: Piergiuseppe Perazzini

View within pathway →
Hip & Knee · Official network

Istituto Clinico Humanitas

⌖ Rozzano · Host: Guido Grappiolo and Mattia Loppini

View within pathway →
IC
Shoulder & Elbow · SECEC

Istituto Clinico Humanitas

⌖ Rozzano, Italy · Host: Alessandro Castagna

View within pathway →
IO
Shoulder & Elbow · SECEC

Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini

⌖ Milan, Italy · Host: Pietro Randelli and Paolo Arrigoni

View within pathway →
OD
Shoulder & Elbow · SECEC

Ospedale di Cattolica

⌖ Cattolica, Italy · Host: Paolo Paladini

View within pathway →
PG
Shoulder & Elbow · SECEC

Pineta Grande Hospital

⌖ Castel Volturno, Italy · Host: Raffaele Russo

View within pathway →
SUBSPECIALTY

General Orthopaedics

4 programs
✓ Verified 28 Aug 2026
Education Centre VisitRolling applicationGeneral Orthopaedics →

Rizzoli Foreign Doctor Observership and Voluntary Attendance

IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

⌖ Bologna, Italy

Program lead

DODirector of the selected Rizzoli Operating Unit

Duration7 days–12 months
FundingUnpaid voluntary attendance; no salary or stipend is published
ExposureObservation-based learning in the selected Rizzoli operating unit; voluntary attenders may not provide medical assistance
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipCurrent availability unconfirmedGeneral Orthopaedics →

UniSR / San Donato Group Clinical Fellowship Program — Orthopaedics and Traumatology (Galeazzi network)

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele with Gruppo San Donato hospitals (IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi)

⌖ Milan, Lombardy, Italy

DurationUp to two years in total
FundingNot published
ExposurePersonalised specialty or subspecialty training through observation and practical immersion, with one-on-one tutorship by a head of…
✓ Verified 1 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleGeneral Orthopaedics →

Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute Fellowship for Foreign Medical Graduates

IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

⌖ Bologna, Italy

Program lead

CRChosen Rizzoli operating unit / technical-scientific committee pathway

DurationAcademic year or fraction of it; maximum 12 months under the…
FundingFunding or stipend is not published on the current English fellowship page or regulations;…
ExposureOrthopaedic knowledge development at Rizzoli in the applicant's chosen area of interest, under the Institute's…
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
Travelling FellowshipClosed for this cycleGeneral Orthopaedics →

SICOT meets SICOT Fellowship — Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia

Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia

⌖ Brescia, Lombardy, Italy

Duration4 to 8 weeks
FundingFunded by SICOT and local hosts: SICOT covers one economy return ticket up to EUR 1,000 where…
ExposureFellow has access to, and the possibility to train in, the orthopaedic subspecialties of the centre. Subspecialties listed by the…
SUBSPECIALTY

Hand & Microsurgery

9 programs
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre AOU Careggi, Florence

Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, SODC Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery (Chirurgia della Mano e Microchirurgia Ricostruttiva)

⌖ Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Program lead

SPSandra Pfanner (Head of unit), fellowship faculty at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, SODC Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery (Chirurgia della Mano e Microchirurgia Ricostruttiva)Sandra Pfanner (Head of unit)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 gross each,…
ExposureSemester at one of the 16 SICM-accredited hand centres: full-time clinical and surgical activity documented in a log-book (minimum…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona

AOU Ancona Ospedali Riuniti (Umberto I–G.M. Lancisi–G. Salesi), SOC Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery (Chirurgia Ricostruttiva e Chirurgia della Mano)

⌖ Ancona, Marche, Italy

Program lead

MRMichele Riccio (Head of unit, as listed by SICM), fellowship faculty at AOU Ancona Ospedali Riuniti (Umberto I–G.M. Lancisi–G. Salesi), SOC Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery (Chirurgia Ricostruttiva e Chirurgia della Mano)Michele Riccio (Head of unit, as listed by SICM)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 each, paid…
ExposureSemester at an SICM-accredited hand centre: full-time clinical and surgical activity recorded in a log-book (at least 100…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre AOU Policlinico di Modena

Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, UOC Hand Surgery (Chirurgia della Mano)

⌖ Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Program lead

ALAndrea Leti (Head of unit, as listed by SICM), fellowship faculty at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, UOC Hand Surgery (Chirurgia della Mano)Andrea Leti (Head of unit, as listed by SICM)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 each, paid…
ExposureSemester at an SICM-accredited hand centre: full-time clinical and surgical activity recorded in a log-book (at least 100…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre CTO Turin

AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, CTO — UOC Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2 (Hand Surgery)

⌖ Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Program lead

BBBruno Battiston (Head of unit), fellowship faculty at AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, CTO — UOC Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2 (Hand Surgery)Bruno Battiston (Head of unit)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 gross each,…
ExposureSemester at an SICM-accredited hand centre with log-book-documented surgery (minimum 100 hand/microsurgery procedures across the…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre Istituto Clinico Città di Brescia

Istituto Clinico Città di Brescia, UO Microsurgery and Hand Surgery (Microchirurgia e Chirurgia della Mano)

⌖ Brescia, Lombardy, Italy

Program lead

IMIgnazio Marcoccio (Head of unit, as listed by SICM), fellowship faculty at Istituto Clinico Città di Brescia, UO Microsurgery and Hand Surgery (Microchirurgia e Chirurgia della Mano)Ignazio Marcoccio (Head of unit, as listed by SICM)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 each, paid…
ExposureSemester at an SICM-accredited hand centre: full-time clinical and surgical activity recorded in a log-book (at least 100…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre Padova University Hospital

Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, UOS Hand Surgery and Microsurgery (Chirurgia della Mano e Microchirurgia)

⌖ Padova, Veneto, Italy

Program lead

CTCesare Tiengo (Head of unit), fellowship faculty at Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, UOS Hand Surgery and Microsurgery (Chirurgia della Mano e Microchirurgia)Cesare Tiengo (Head of unit)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 gross each,…
ExposureSemester at an SICM-accredited hand and microsurgery unit: full-time clinical and operative activity recorded in a log-book (minimum…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipUpcoming cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship — host centre Verona University Hospital (Borgo Roma)

Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Ospedale Borgo Roma — UOC Hand Surgery (European Hand Trauma and Replantation Centre)

⌖ Verona, Veneto, Italy

Program lead

MCMassimo Corain (Head of unit), fellowship faculty at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Ospedale Borgo Roma — UOC Hand Surgery (European Hand Trauma and Replantation Centre)Massimo Corain (Head of unit)

Duration12 months in total, split into two consecutive 6-month…
FundingSICM funds 2 fellows per year with a lump-sum expense reimbursement of EUR 15,000 gross each,…
ExposureSemester at an SICM-accredited hand centre with log-book-documented surgery (minimum 100 hand/microsurgery procedures across the…
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
ObservershipRolling applicationHand & Microsurgery →

Paediatric hand surgery and reconstructive microsurgery observership, Gaslini (EPOS listing)

IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini

⌖ Genoa, Liguria, Italy

DurationFlexible, 'just a few days' (EPOS general text); host-specific…
FundingFree of charge: EPOS states no participation fees; the observer covers travel, accommodation and…
ExposureObserver joins surgery, clinics and consultations for children 0–18 years with congenital hand and upper limb malformations,…
✓ Verified 24 Sep 2026
Clinical FellowshipClosed for this cycleHand & Microsurgery →

SICM Hand Surgery & Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship

Two selected SICM-accredited Italian hospital or university centres

⌖ Multi-centre, Italy

Faculty & leadership

MRMichele Riccio, fellowship faculty at Two selected SICM-accredited Italian hospital or university centresMichele RiccioRBRiccardo Budroni+14 more

Duration12 months: two consecutive 6-month rotations
FundingEUR 15,000 gross merit-based expense reimbursement, paid once after successful completion; this…
ExposureFull-time hand and reconstructive microsurgery training with a minimum of 100 documented operations, detailed logbook,…
SUBSPECIALTY

Hip & Knee

4 programs
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
ObservershipUpcoming cycleHip & Knee →

AO Recon Fellowship — IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Hip Department

IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Hip Department

⌖ Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Faculty & leadership

LZLuigi Zagra, fellowship faculty at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Hip DepartmentLuigi ZagraRDRocco D'Apolito, fellowship faculty at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Hip DepartmentRocco D'Apolito

Duration6 to 12 weeks (AO Recon Short-term International Fellowship…
FundingSmall AO Recon stipend toward accommodation and living costs (benchmark USD 550 for one week in…
ExposureFellows learn from arthroplasty experts at the host. The host answers that AO fellows can scrub in (medical and orthopaedic licence…
✓ Verified 3 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipCurrent availability unconfirmedHip & Knee →

Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Knee Surgery Training Programme

IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli / University of Bologna

⌖ Bologna, Italy

DurationNot published
FundingThe centre-verified ISAKOS profile lists these financial-support sources: Private. It does not…
ExposureKnee arthroscopy and arthroplasty, ACL primary and revision reconstruction, meniscus repair and transplantation, high tibial and…
✓ Verified 24 Sep 2026
Travelling FellowshipClosed for this cycleHip & Knee →

EFORT Robotic Travelling Fellowship Network

EFORT / European Mako robotic arthroplasty host network

⌖ Multiple European host centres

Program lead

HFHost faculty selected by EFORT for each travelling slot

Duration3 weeks in the published 2024 programme; two days at each of…
FundingThe published 2024 fellowship grant covered all accommodation and travel expenses
ExposureRobotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty, Mako workflow integration, supervised scrub-in where permitted and practical experience…
✓ Verified 14 Oct 2026
Travelling FellowshipClosed for this cycleHip & Knee →

EFORT Robotic Travelling Fellowship host centre — Casa di Cura Città di Parma

Casa di Cura Città di Parma

⌖ Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Program lead

PAProf. Adravanti (listed host, Casa di Cura Città di Parma)

DurationThree-week travelling fellowship; two consecutive days at each…
FundingSupported by Stryker; EFORT handles logistics and accommodation and travel are covered by the…
ExposureHands-on exposure to Mako robotic-arm assisted arthroplasty at one of the listed Mako robotic teaching hospitals (Italian itinerary:…
SUBSPECIALTY

Limb Reconstruction

1 program
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
Short CourseCurrent availability unconfirmedLimb Reconstruction →

University of Bologna Second-Level Master in Orthoplastic Surgery (Chirurgia Ortoplastica) 2026/27 — Rizzoli

University of Bologna (DIBINEM) / IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

⌖ Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Program lead

AGAlessandro Gasbarrini, Master Director, fellowship faculty at University of Bologna (DIBINEM) / IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliAlessandro Gasbarrini, Master Director

Duration1 year (60 CFU)
FundingTuition EUR 4,000 (20% reduction for 1–2 Alma Mater alumni places) (self-funded).
ExposureLessons held at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli; 625-hour (25 CFU) observational stage, which may be partly or fully replaced by a…
SUBSPECIALTY

Musculoskeletal Oncology

2 programs
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipCurrent availability unconfirmedMusculoskeletal Oncology →

University of Padova/SICOT Fellowship (Musculoskeletal Oncology, Infection and Revision Surgery)

University of Padova, Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology

⌖ Padova, Veneto, Italy

Program lead

PRPietro Ruggieri, fellowship faculty at University of Padova, Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic OncologyPietro Ruggieri

Duration6 weeks to 1 year
FundingFunded by SICOT. International fellows: travel and accommodation reimbursed up to EUR 2,500…
ExposureFellows can scrub in. Focus on primary and metastatic bone tumours in adults and children, benign and sarcomatous soft-tissue…
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
ObservershipRolling applicationMusculoskeletal Oncology →

Observership (frequenza volontaria osservazionale), Orthopaedic Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, AOU Careggi

Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Orthopaedic Oncology and Reconstruc

⌖ Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Duration1 to 12 months (shorter periods accepted for particular needs;…
FundingNo pay and no cost to the hospital. Non-refundable activation contribution of EUR 10 per month…
ExposureObservational only: observing, taking part in discussions and team meetings; the observer may not perform operative activity or any…
SUBSPECIALTY

Paediatric Orthopaedics

1 program
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
ObservershipRolling applicationPaediatric Orthopaedics →

Paediatric Orthopaedics Observership, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute (EPOS directory)

IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli — Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology

⌖ Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

DurationNot published
FundingNot published
ExposureObservational: observers can take part in outpatient clinics (Ponseti, external fixator, general paediatric orthopaedics, rare…
SUBSPECIALTY

Shoulder & Elbow

3 programs
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
ObservershipCurrent availability unconfirmedShoulder & Elbow →

SICSeG Shoulder & Elbow Week (visits to SICSeG-accredited centres)

SICSeG (Italian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery) accredited centres

⌖ Various SICSeG accredited centres, Italy

Program lead

HIHosts in 2025: Mangano (Acqui Terme) · Galavotti (Catanzaro)

Duration1 week (the first edition ran 17 to 21 November 2025)
FundingNot published
ExposureYoung orthopaedic surgeons visit SICSeG-accredited centres (two per centre) and take part with senior surgeons in outpatient,…
✓ Verified 3 Oct 2026
Education Centre VisitRolling applicationShoulder & Elbow →

SECEC Education Centre Visit Network

SECEC/ESSSE Education Centres

⌖ Recognised shoulder and elbow centres across Europe

Program lead

HFHost faculty at the selected centre

Duration2–3 days at one selected centre
FundingSelf-funded: travel and accommodation are the applicant’s responsibility
ExposureShort educational visit at one recognised SECEC shoulder and elbow centre; the schedule is agreed with the host and depends on…
✓ Verified 15 Oct 2026
Clinical FellowshipCurrent availability unconfirmedShoulder & Elbow →

Concordia Hospital Rome ISAKOS Teaching Center — Shoulder, Knee and Elbow Arthroscopy Fellowship

Concordia Hospital for Special Surgery

⌖ Rome, Lazio, Italy

DurationWeekly, monthly and 6-month terms
FundingISAKOS entry: no financial assistance or other support is available. The centre can supply…
ExposureFellows are involved in clinic sessions, surgery and research projects. Case mix: arthroscopy 10%, knee surgery 10%, sports medicine…
COMPLETE CRAWLABLE INDEX

All remaining programmes

The first 24 profiles include full comparison details. These 14 additional source-linked profiles use a compact layout so this destination stays fast without hiding any programme from applicants or search engines.

FELLOWSHIP FACULTY

Orthopaedic fellowship faculty in Italy

49 people are named on source-backed Italy programme pages. Each profile links to the official source and to the programmes the person is connected to.

Browse all 49 faculty profiles for Italy and other destinations →

PLANNING QUESTIONS

Applying for orthopaedic training in Italy

What orthopaedic training programmes are listed in Italy?

OrthoFellow currently indexes 38 current canonical pathways in Italy: 13 clinical fellowships, 0 research fellowships, 23 observerships and 2 short courses. Open each profile for its exact classification and current cycle status.

Are international surgeons eligible for every programme in Italy?

No. Eligibility, language, registration, immigration permission and hospital privileges depend on the specific programme and host. OrthoFellow shows published requirements and labels missing information for direct confirmation.

How current are the Italy listings?

Each programme profile shows its own checked date and official source. Availability and deadlines can change, so applicants should reopen the current official programme page before applying or paying costs.

Are Rizzoli foreign-doctor routes the same as paid fellowships?

Not necessarily. Rizzoli publishes formal foreign-doctor and foreign-graduate routes, but funding, clinical role and authorization must be checked against the specific official page.

Does AO Trauma Turin mean applications are open now?

No. It confirms a host-centre pathway and AO programme rules; applicants still need the next AO call and host approval.

Do Italy fellowships require Italian language?

Some clinical settings may. When language rules are not published, OrthoFellow marks them for direct confirmation.

What documents do applicants usually prepare for Italy?

Common documents include current cv with operative, research and teaching experience, motivation statement explaining subspecialty goals and host fit, medical degree, orthopaedic training certificate and board or college evidence where required, two or three references, often including a programme director or current head of department, passport, registration, visa or occupational-health documents when the hospital requires them. Programme profiles may require additional documents, so applicants should use the official source as the final checklist.

Does OrthoFellow estimate unpublished deadlines or funding in Italy?

No. If a deadline, stipend, salary, accommodation or application route is not published by the official source, the profile is labelled as not published, direct enquiry required or current availability unconfirmed.

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