Fellowship Application

Vattikuti Foundation Fellowship

Open Fellowships

Fellowship Requirements

Application

Where are our Fellows now?

The Vattikuti Foundation focuses on the intersection of Healthcare, Education and Technology, because these have ​been proven to be the most effective levers to sustainable and meaningful development of society. With ​the Vattikuti ​Fellowship ​Program, we are uniquely positioned to leverage all​ three.

The Vattikuti Fellowship Program provides an unparalleled opportunity for young surgeons to advance their expertise in robotic surgery through immersive, hands-on training with experienced robotic surgeons at leading institutions. Designed for motivated surgeons, the program offers comprehensive exposure to advanced surgical techniques, clinical decision-making, and the skills needed to excel in minimally invasive surgery.

Beyond technical training, Fellows are encouraged to contribute to research, participate in the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database program, and share their work through national and international presentations and publications. The Fellowship fosters professional growth through mentorship, academic opportunities, and lifelong connections with leaders in robotic surgery.

Join the Vattikuti Fellowship Program to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and become a future leader in robotic surgery.

Accepting applications: 15 June 2026 – 31 July 2026
Start Dates: 15 September 2026/ 01 October 2026

Application Guidelines and Information

The Vattikuti Foundation Fellowship Program is highly competitive. Applicants should carefully review the requirements below before submitting their application.

Fellowship Placement

  • The Vattikuti Foundation will determine the final Fellowship placement based on the applicant’s qualifications and program needs.
  • Applicants may apply for one or two Fellowship positions based on their eligibility.
  • If applying for more than one position, please list your choices in order of preference.
  • By submitting an application, applicants confirm they are willing and able to relocate anywhere in India where a Fellowship is offered.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants should be within 10 years of completing their advanced degree.
  • Applicants must be from a specialty that currently utilizes surgical robotics.

Application Submission Requirements

  • Clearly identify all submitted documents with: Applicant’s full name and email address
  • Digital file names must include the applicant’s name.
  • Early submission is encouraged due to the expected volume of applications; all complete applications will receive full consideration.
  • Highlight all relevant: Awards, Publications, Academic achievements and Professional accomplishments
Important: Plagiarized applications will be rejected, and the applicant’s current institution will be notified.

Commitment & Logistics

  • Selected Fellows must be prepared to begin their Fellowship within 30 days of notification.
  • The start date will be coordinated among:
    • Vattikuti Foundation
    • Host Institution
    • Fellowship Director
  • Housing assistance may be available through some host institutions but is not covered by the Vattikuti Foundation.
  • Fellows are responsible for:
    • Housing costs
    • Relocation expenses
    • Other personal arrangements

Expectations

  • Fellows must comply with all policies and requirements of:
    • The Vattikuti Foundation Fellowship Program
    • Host Institution
    • Mentor Surgeon
  • Failure to meet program expectations may result in termination of the Fellowship.

Selection Process

  • Applications will be reviewed by representatives from:
    • Vattikuti Foundation
    • Mentor Surgeons
    • Sponsor Institutions

Compensation

  • Stipend:
    • 100,000 INR/PM: Fellows will receive partial monthly stipends of 90,000 INR, with the remaining balance (120,000 INR) being reserved to be paid upon successful completion of the Fellowship
  • Travel Grant: The Vattikuti Foundation will cover the expense for one national and/or one international conference per Fellowship. In order to apply for a travel grant for a national or international conference one must present:
    • Proof of registration to the conference.
    • Proof of abstract presentation approval and abstract copy
    • Expenditure receipts.

Research Responsibilities

  • The Fellow must participate in research at the institute or at the Foundation’s direction for a minimum of 12 months. Fellows should have a publication submitted to a journal with a high impact factor within nine months into their fellowship. Publication in open access or case reports will not be recognized as fulfilling the research responsibility.
  • Fellows will be expected to submit an abstract to their annual specialty meeting for presentation. The focus of the topic must be related to the impact of minimally invasive treatment modalities. The expectation is for the fellow to be presenting the abstract at the meeting.
  • The Vattikuti Foundation will be providing an independent assessment of the Fellowship Program. We will internally review the fellow’s performance regarding clinical, technical and management skills. We have put in place feedback mechanisms to evaluate improvements in program quality, which will constantly be reviewed by academic leaders at the Foundation.

Curriculum

  • One hour of time each week should be dedicated to the pursuit of academic achievement. This time is used in participation of didactic sessions, i.e., lectures taken by the faculty of the program.
  • Every month one of these sessions will be a journal club dedicated to the topic of minimally invasive surgery.
  • Working on the project for your presentation can be included in this hour occasionally but not routinely.

Open Fellowships

Robotic Urologic Oncology

Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon

Dr. Gagan Gautam– 1 positions available

Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon

Dr. Puneet Ahluwalia– 1 positions available

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida

Dr. (Prof.) Rajesh Ahlawat– 1 position available

Robotic Urologic Surgery

Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad

Dr. Sanjai Addla– 1 position available

Aster Medcity, Kochi

Dr Kishore TA– 1 position available

Urologic Oncology

Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad

Dr. Rakesh Sharma– 1 position available

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Dr. TB Yuvaraja– 1 position available

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

Apollo Health City, Hyderabad

Dr. Prof Rooma Sinha– 1 position available

Surgical Oncology

Aster International Institute of Oncology, Bangalore

Prof. Dr. Somashekhar SP– 1 position available

Application Requirements

A complete application must include the following materials:

Cover Letter

A one-page minimum letter outlining the Fellowship position(s) for which the applicant wishes to be considered and the reasons for applying. Proper spelling, grammar, and professional presentation are required.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume

An updated CV/resume containing accurate personal information and professional details, including:
  • PubMed-indexed publications
  • Conference presentations and posters
  • Robotic surgery training certificates (if applicable)
  • Awards and achievements in medicine

    High-Resolution Photograph

    A recent high resolution photograph of the applicant is required

    Letters of Recommendation

    At least one letter of recommendation is required from a professor, colleague, or department head. Additional letters are encouraged.

    Institutional Release Affidavit

    Documentation from the applicant’s current institution confirming the applicant’s ability to be released from current duties within 30 days of selection as a Vattikuti Fellow.
    Current Job Titles of

    Graduated Fellows

    40

    Alums Completed the Fellowship
    Till Now

    Are HODs in institutes like Apollo Hospitals, Medanta, TMH, etc

    Are consultants in institutes like Fortis, Apollo, Manipal, etc.

    Are professors in institutes like PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS, etc.

    Open Fellowships

    Accepting applications: 15 June 2026 – 31 July 2026

    Start Dates: 15 September 2026/ 01 October 2026

    1. Medanta the MediCity, Gurgaon, Robotic Urologic Oncology. Fellowship Director: Dr. Gagan Gautam (2 Positions)

    2. Medanta the MediCity, Gurgaon, Robotic Urologic Oncology. Fellowship Director: Dr. Puneet Ahluwalia (2 Positions)

    3. Aster International Institute of Oncology, Bangalore. Fellowship Director: Prof Dr. Somashekhar SP

    4. Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad, Urologic Oncology. Fellowship Director: Dr. Rakesh Sharma

    5. Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, Minimally Invasive & Robotic Gynecologic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr Prof Rooma Sinha

    6. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, Urologic Oncologic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr. TB Yuvaraja

    7. Apollo hospital, Hyderabad, Urological Robotic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr. Sanjai Addla

    8. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, Robotic Urologic Oncology, Fellowship director: Dr. (Prof.) Rajesh Ahlawat

    9. Aster Medcity, Kochi, Robotic Urologic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr Kishore TA

    Closed Fellowships

    1. Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, Robotic UroOncology and Reconstructive Urology. Fellowship director: Dr. Syed Md. Ghouse

    2. Chennai Urology and Robotics Institute, Chennai, Urologic Oncologic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr.A. Sivaraman

    3. Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, Urologic Robotic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr. Deepak Dubey

    4. Medanta the MediCity, Gurgaon, Robotic Urologic Oncology. Fellowship Director: Dr. Rajesh Ahlawat

    5. Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, New Delhi, Urologic Oncologic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr. Sudhir Rawal

    6. BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, Surgical Oncology. Fellowship Director: Dr. Surender Dabas

    7. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, Urological Robotic Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr. Anant Kumar

    8. Narayana Health System, Bengaluru, Surgical Oncology Fellowship Director: Dr. Ashwini Kudari

    9. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, Robotic GI, Bariatric and Hernia Surgery. Fellowship Director: Dr. Arun Prasad