George Tolis Fellowship Programme 2026
The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) invites applications for the George Tolis Fellowship Programme 2026, an advanced clinical training initiative designed to strengthen expertise in the management of haemoglobinopathies.
This intensive one-week fellowship provides physicians with the opportunity to gain practical insight into the multidisciplinary care of patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
GEORGE TOLIS
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
Programme Structure
The 2026 Fellowship will be 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 will benefit from direct clinical exposure, case-based discussions and mentorship from experienced specialists involved in the comprehensive care of haemoglobinopathy patients.
Our Specialists
The Fellowship will be 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 Should Apply
The programme is 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 are also expected to contribute to the dissemination of the knowledge acquired during the programme within their healthcare institutions.
How to Apply
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.
Selection Process
Final approval will be obtained through common consultation and consensus between the training centre and the Thalassaemia International Federation. Hence, the application of each candidate will be reviewed by the selection committee that will be comprised of:
- Two (2) Members of TIF’s Scientific Advisory Board on behalf of TIF
- Two (2) Chief Medical Specialists on behalf of the Training Centre
Fellowship Support
The Fellowship provides financial support to facilitate the participation of selected candidates during the training period.
- Economy-class airfare or ground transportation to and from the candidates’ place of residence will be covered for all successful applicants.
- Accommodation will be provided for the entire duration of the training programme.
- Each successful candidate will receive a stipend to assist with basic living expenses during the fellowship. Any costs exceeding this amount will be the responsibility of the candidate.
