Where did you complete your fellowship and duration?
I am currently a postdoctoral research fellow in pancreatic cancer at UC San Diego in California, USA. The fellowship is lasting 18 months, from August 2024 to January 2026.
At what time in your career?
I decided to pursue this fellowship after completing the final year of my surgical residency and successfully passing the board examination in Surgery.
How was the fellowship funded?
I am very grateful to be funded by the “Swiss Cancer League” for the entire duration of my international fellowship. Additionally, UC San Diego is covering some additional costs, incl. my health insurance.
How did you secure this fellowship?
A colleague at Clarunis, Dr. Suna Erdem-Sanchez, had previously completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the same research lab at UC San Diego. Through her, I was introduced to the principal investigator, and she provided invaluable support during the grant writing process. My application was also supported by the head of department at Clarunis, Prof. Müller, and was further strengthened by recommendation letters from Prof. Billeter and my former department head at Triemli Hospital, Prof. Weber.
What are you learning through this fellowship?
The primary goal of this fellowship is to deepen my knowledge of basic and translational research in surgical oncology. I have been able to apply my surgical background into pancreatic mice surgeries and have learned a lot about immunotherapy through my projects. Also, current lab members taught me multiple laboratory methods (flow cytometry, ELISA, …) where I previously had limited experience. I have also gained valuable insight into how dedicated research time is integrated into structured surgical training here – typically as a two-year period during the third and fourth years of residency. Additionally, I am taking advanced biostatistics courses using R, greatly improving my data analysis skills. On a more personal note, I had to get used to driving everywhere – quite a change after living in Switzerland! This experience reinforces and supports my aspiration to pursue a career that combines clinical practice in visceral surgery with academic research.
What motivated you to pursue a fellowship?
As a French-born Swiss, who studied in Germany, I have always been curious and open to international experiences. The opportunity to combine research in the USA during my surgical training was the perfect next step for me.
Future Plans?
After completing the fellowship, I look forward to returning to clinical work with patients and in the operating room, and to pursuing a specialization in visceral surgery. And of course, I will continue doing research.
Would You Recommend It?
Absolutely! It’s an enriching experience – professionally, academically, and personally. Gaining insight into basic science has helped me better understand disease mechanisms, and being in California is a great bonus: the weather, the food, and the landscape are simply amazing!
