GLOBAL ONLINE FELLOWSHIP (GOLF) - ACADEMIC
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The Fellowship
There are no global standards of training, practice and level of care for patients with neoplasms of the Head and Neck. There are significant variations in the quality and levels of care in various geographic locations in the world. The International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) has collaborated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) to develop an On line Fellowship program in Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, known as the Global On Line Fellowship (GOLF). The goal of the global online fellowship is to create a program to teach and train young surgeons and test their knowledge and thought processes. To achieve this, relative uniformity of knowledge base and judgment are measured and certified by specialists, through online education with continuous updating and monitoring of their knowledge base.
GOLF is open to surgeons, with training to qualify for Board examination in their home country, anywhere in the world. The course of study requires self-learning through a structured course in a ONE year curriculum developed by an international committee of surgeons, and oncologists, with three quarterly online exams followed by an oral examination before an international panel. The oral examination is also conducted on an online platform like Zoom. As an integral part of this on line the fellowship program, candidates are also required to do a one month observership at one of the 35 approved observership sites around the globe. The observership may be completed either during the year of the online fellowship or soon thereafter. Upon successful completion of the program (all examinations and observership), the fellow receives a certificate in head and neck surgery and oncology.
Such certification will testify that the candidates have acquired an established global standard of core knowledge, and matured their judgment process through self education and successful completion of all examinations.
Candidates who show outstanding performance on the Written Examination and final Oral Examination are granted the certificate with Honors. The certificate with Honors may assist in advancement of academic careers.
Twenty experts serve on the written examination committee, which develops the quarterly multiple choice examination questions. Twenty-five to thirty senior leaders in Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology from around the world, participate in the oral examination of the fellowship.GOLF - GRADUATES
Year # OF REGISTERED
CANDIDATES# WHO TOOK THE
ORAL EXAM# WHO PASSED THE
ORAL EXAM (%)# WHO PASSED THE
ORAL EXAM WITH HONORS2014 98 N/A N/A N/A 2015 78 N/A N/A N/A 2016 74 93 89 (96%) 0 2017 41 66 57 (86%) 3 2018 42 63 55 (87%) 9 2019 48 25 23 (92%) 3 2020 41 59 44 10 2021 40 40 30 9 2022 51 53 41 7
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Course Curriculum
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Time Line
Applications Open Annually April 1. On line. See application form on Tab above Applications Close Annually September 5 Notification of Acceptance September 15 Program Begins October 1
12 Month Text Learning of specific topics per each quarter and video watching of operative procedures3 Quarterly Written Online Exams January 17, April 17 and July 17.
120 minutes of multiple choice written examinations1 Month Observership at an Approved Site To be completed at any point during the Fellowship or soon thereafter.
For a list of Mentors and approved sites for Observership, please see the ‘Approved Observership Sites’ Tab above.Virtual Oral Examinations October in Western and Eastern hemispheres Examination Dates for 2024 - 2025
Written - Online (All must be completed) January 15, 2025 April 16, 2025 July 16, 2025
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Requirements
CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must have
- A minimum of four years of surgical training following completion of medical school and Board certification (or equivalent) in the specialty of general surgery, otolaryngology or plastic surgery, in their home country.
- Current engagement in Head and Neck Surgery training or practice.
- Certification and letter of support from the Head of the Department where the candidate conducts his/her clinical activities indicating a commitment by the candidate to the specialty of head and neck surgery and oncology, and current nature and tenure of employment.
- A complete list of operative procedures performed during the preceding year showing a significant proportion (over 50%) of head and neck cancer/tumor cases, where the candidate was either the operating surgeon or first assistant.
- Personal statement indicating commitment by the candidate to complete the Fellowship and future career goals to utilize the knowledge gained through this Fellowship.
The applicant must possess basic knowledge and skills for management of cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, para nasal sinuses, skull base, salivary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, cutaneous cancers, soft tissue and bone tumors, and allied conditions. In addition, exposure to and familiarity with Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Endocrinology and Pathology is required. The applicant should also be familiar with the management of patients with major surgery, including metabolism, shock, hemorrhage, sepsis, cardio pulmonary disease, renal and gastro intestinal disorders related to head and neck tumors.
The fellowship involves a commitment of ONE year of self learning through a structured course curriculum, with periodic online examinations as the program progresses, until completion. It also requires a One month ‘Observership’, at a center of excellence in H&N Surgery. GOLF is not a license, degree or certification for practice of Head Neck Surgery and Oncology in your country. It is a tool to strengthen the knowledge and judgment of Head Neck surgeons and bring them at par with global standards of practice of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology.
The current version of GOLF is not designed for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, coming thru a degree and training in Dentistry and who’s educational and training curricula and licensing of surgical practice is limited to only some of the topics mentioned above. However, some Maxillofacial surgeons with double degree (Dental and Medical), may be eligible to meet with the requirements as stated above.
Application
To apply, please complete the Global Online Fellowship in H&N Surgery and Oncology Application by clicking here and submit, along with the required supporting materials, Curriculum Vitae and non-refundable US $100 application processing fee to info@ifhnos.net
Fees Application Processing Fee: (non-refundable) USD $100 Course Curriculum & Examination Fee: USD $2,000 The Course Curriculum and examination fees are to be paid by Dec. 31st of the year of enrollment.
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Approved Observership Sites
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International Board Of Directors
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GOLF - Graduates