George Tolis Fellowship Programme 2026
Programme Completed
The inaugural George Tolis Fellowship Programme was completed in May 2026, providing participating physicians with direct clinical exposure, case-based learning, and specialist mentorship in the multidisciplinary care of people living with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
The Programme Evaluation Report, which outlines the training activities, key findings, and recommendations for future cycles, is available in Greek.
DOWNLOAD THE 2026 PROGRAMME EVALUATION REPORT – AVAILABLE IN GREEK
GEORGE TOLIS
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
Programme Structure
The 2026 Fellowship was implemented through two consecutive training cycles in May 2026, through the Thalassaemia & Sickle Cell Disease Unit of the Hippokration General Hospital of Athens-Expertise Center of Hemoglobinopathies and Their Complications, enabling a total of four physicians to participate in the inaugural year of the programme.
Training cycles:
- 11–15 May 2026
- 18–22 May 2026
Participants benefited from direct clinical exposure, case-based discussions, and mentorship from experienced specialists involved in the comprehensive care of haemoglobinopathy patients.
Our Specialists
The Fellowship was conducted under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Sophia Delicou, MD, Clinical Haematologist, Head of the Thalassaemia & Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens.
Dr. Delicou is a consultant haematologist with more than 20 years of experience in the management of haemoglobinopathies, transfusion medicine, and their related complications.
Who Was Eligible
The programme was intended for physicians who:
- Are specialists in the fields of Haematology, Paediatrics or Internal Medicine.
- Have at least two years of clinical experience managing patients with haemoglobinopathies.
- Are currently working in Greek public healthcare institutions.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuing their work in the field of haemoglobinopathies after the completion of the Fellowship.
Candidates were also expected to contribute to the dissemination of the knowledge acquired during the programme within their healthcare institutions.
2026 Application Process
Each application must include the following documentation:
- A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two Letters of Consent confirming the candidate’s commitment to continue working in the field of haemoglobinopathies for at least three (3) years at the institution where he/she is currently employed following completion of the Fellowship.
- One letter must be submitted by the candidate.
- One letter must be submitted by the director of the employing institution or by an authorised official of the Ministry of Health, where applicable.
- A Reference Letter from the candidate’s current employer supporting the candidate’s application and participation in the programme.
- Proof of official registration as a medical specialist with the relevant medical regulatory authority in the candidate’s country of employment.
2026 Selection Process
Final approval was reached through consultation and agreement between the Training Centre and the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF). Each application was reviewed by a selection committee comprising:
- Two members of TIF’s Scientific Advisory Board, representing TIF; and
- Two senior medical specialists representing the Training Centre.
Fellowship Support Provided
The Fellowship provided financial support to facilitate the participation of the selected candidates during the training period.
Each successful candidate received a stipend to help cover basic living expenses, accommodation, and transport during the Fellowship. Any costs exceeding the stipend were the responsibility of the candidate.
