Global observership & secondment
IFFS G.R.O.W.(Global Routes for Opportunity and Work)
A structured exchange for doctors, nurses and embryologists visiting and learning in an International Federation of Fertility Societies – Global Routes for Opportunity and Work centre abroad — observing technique, exchanging protocols, creating friendships and bringing practice home. An opportunity for services of excellence to host ambitious colleagues from around the world.
It is especially designed for young ObGyns, trainees and fellows.
- 3
- Professional tracks
- 2–4
- Weeks, per visit
- 10
- Working days to process
Overview
A short placement, a lasting protocol exchange
This programme aims to promote international collaboration, expand clinical perspectives, and enhance professional development through short-term educational exchanges. The programme will be observation-based and self-funded, ensuring accessibility while maintaining flexibility for both host centres and participants.
Who it's for
Doctors, nurses & embryologists
Any clinician, nurse or laboratory scientist working in a reproductive medicine service, who applies for the programme and is approved by the IFFS GROW Board.
What it covers
Access, supervision, induction
The host centre arranges clinical or laboratory access, a named supervisor, and local induction. Travel, accommodation and insurance are arranged by the GROW Fellow.
What it isn't
Not an employment contract
GROW Fellows are not employed by the host centre and do not carry independent clinical or laboratory responsibilities.
Disclaimer
IFFS GROW is an observation-based educational exchange coordinated by the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS). The educational activities during a visit are planned and delivered by the host centre. IFFS does not supervise them and is not responsible for their content, accuracy or quality, or for any advice, opinions or practices shared during the exchange.
GROW Fellows and host centres take part at their own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, IFFS accepts no liability for any accident, injury, illness, loss, theft, or damage to property or equipment, whether suffered or caused by a Fellow, a host centre or anyone else, before, during or after a visit, including while travelling and in accommodation.
Each Fellow is responsible for their own conduct and for following the host centre's rules and local law. Health insurance covering the whole visit is mandatory, and Fellows are also advised to hold travel and personal liability insurance. Any arrangement between a Fellow and a host centre is a matter between them.
By applying to IFFS GROW, Fellows and host centres accept these terms.
Tracks
Three professional tracks, one application
Doctors, nurses and embryologists answer the same questions, each on the form for their own profession, and upload the same two documents.
Track 01
Doctors
For medical doctors, trainees and specialists in obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine.
- Individual IFFS membership
- Proof of your current study or work status
- A one-page approval letter from your head of department
- Health insurance covering the whole visit (mandatory)
- Visits of 2, 3 or 4 weeks
Track 02
Nurses
For nurses and nursing students working in infertility care, seeking exposure to established fertility nursing excellence.
- Individual IFFS membership
- Proof of your current study or work status
- A one-page approval letter from your head of department
- Health insurance covering the whole visit (mandatory)
- Visits of 2, 3 or 4 weeks
Track 03
Embryologists
For embryologists and laboratory scientists wishing to observe techniques not yet in use at their home lab.
- Individual IFFS membership
- Proof of your current study or work status
- A one-page approval letter from your head of department
- Health insurance covering the whole visit (mandatory)
- Visits of 2, 3 or 4 weeks
Hosting, rather than visiting?
Centres apply separately to become an approved host. Approved centres are listed in the directory with the techniques they can teach and the places they have left.
Process
What happens, and who does it
Six milestones run in parallel for the GROW Fellow and for the applying host centre. Nothing moves to the next step until the one before it has been signed off — and each step names the party who holds it.
For GROW Fellows
Choose a track and apply
YouComplete the form for your profession, uploading proof of your current study or work status and your head of department's approval letter.
Head of department approval
Your head of departmentThe head of department at your institution approves your visit in a signed, one-page letter. An application without it cannot be reviewed.
IFFS GROW review
IFFS GROWThe programme office aims to process every application within 10 working days. Follow its progress on the application status page.
Host centre confirms
Host centreYou are matched with the centre you prefer where it has places. The host confirms the placement, a named supervisor and a scope of activity.
Pre-placement checks
Host centreThe host completes right-to-work, indemnity, immunisation and local induction requirements under its own governance.
Placement, then feedback
You and your hostYou attend for two to four weeks under host supervision, then complete the Visiting Fellow feedback form.
For centres
Apply as a host centre
Tell us what your centre can provide, the techniques it performs, its available dates and how many fellows it can host.
IFFS GROW approval
Processed within 10 working days. Once approved, your centre is listed in the directory and on the map.
Receive a referral
IFFS GROW forwards an approved fellow who chose your centre, with their expectations for the visit.
Assign a supervisor
A named clinician, nurse or embryologist takes responsibility for the visitor for the full placement.
Governance sign-off
Confirm indemnity, patient consent procedures and any local regulator notification.
Host, induct, and give feedback
Local induction and scope briefing on day one, then the centre feedback form at the end.
On documents. Your application includes proof of your current study or work status and a one-page approval letter from your head of department. Both are seen only by the programme office. The host centre verifies right to work, indemnity and immunisation under its own governance before a placement begins. What we hold, and why.