Structure of the Virchow Fellowship Program

The VFP is a structured postdoctoral program, which is build upon four pillars:

1. Clinical/translational training
2. Research project
3. Course curriculum
4. Mentoring and evaluation

The Fellowship comprises a position for 2.5 years full-time or up to 5 years in part-time, plus a budget for project related costs. The structure of the fellowship is reflected in the individual career plan of the fellow. This plan is part of the initial application and is continually adapted throughout the fellowship. The career plan spans approximately 6 years, ending with a goal defined by the fellow, e.g. medical specialist, own research group. More information about the career plan can be found here.

The Virchow Fellowship exists in three variantions:

1. Standard Virchow Fellowship (VF)
2. External Virchow Fellowship (EVF)
3. Clinical Epidemiology Fellowship (EPI)


Fur further information please click on the respective Fellowship.

Standard Virchow Fellowship

1. Clinical and Translational Training

Clinical and translational training is an essential aspect of the Virchow Fellowship Program. Therefore, at the beginning of the fellowship, a timetable will be set up which organizes clinical rotations/ internships and milestones of the academic education, and which will be individually accompanied by the CTH. This program aims to establish an academic-medical career path that allows physicians to complete their clinical training and, at the same time, carry out excellent research. In parallel, natural scientists are offered access to clinical institutions by hospitations. All in all, the program aims at an improved exchange of research and patient care.

2. Research

The Virchow Fellowship Program especially aims at the scientific independence of young academics. In order to prepare the Virchow fellows for future research projects the CTH offers a research sabbatical and guarantees a research environment which allows access to excellent methods and cooperation partners from industry and the scientific community. Thus, the fellows are able to further develop their expertise in clinical, experimental and analytical (research) methods beside the realization of their specific research projects. Furthermore, this multidisciplinary exchange helps them to understand the "rules of science" and supports the acquisition of third party funding. This will prepare the fellows for an independent clinical and/or experimental scientific career.

3. Course curriculum

The course curriculum contains the mandatory core curriculum and the so-called ad-hoc courses. These are chosen individually for each fellow. More information about the course curriculum can be found here.

4. Mentoring and evaluation

Within the framework of the fellowship the young academics are to be optimally prepared for a career at the interface between research and treatment. Beside the wide-ranged course program  the fellows are advised and supported by experts in individual evaluation committees. In order to facilitate a regular exchange among themselves, the fellows are encouraged to establish a community. The Virchow fellows are offered individual support and assistance by the whole CTH team.