LATEST UPDATE from the FLEMISH Recognition Committee (09/2026)

1. News from the FLEMISH Recognition Committee

- In June 2026, the Flemish recognition committee for vascular surgery was established. The composition is as follows:

4 vascular members from the university pool:

* Erik Debing (VUB) (= vice-chair)

* Joke Durnez (UA)

* Nathalie Moreels (UGent)

* Sarah Thomis (KU Leuven)

4 vascular members from the professional pool (BSVS):

* Koen Deloose

* Inge Fourneau (= chair)

* Koen Keirse

* Wouter Lansink

8 experts i.e. colleagues from the 4 surgical disciplines who oversee the quality and continuity between the common trunk and the specific advanced training.

- Since July, about 70 colleagues have already applied for (and obtained) the special professional title of vascular surgeon based on the applicable transitional measures. The procedure via the Flemish government web tool works perfectly.

- Young colleagues who were recognized as general surgeons after June 30, 2023, currently fall strictly speaking outside the transitional measures. Adjusted regulations are being drafted for them. Signing by the Minister and publication are expected very soon. Pending this, their applications are being put on hold by the Recognition Committee. As soon as the adjusted regulations come into effect, we will also communicate about this as BSVS.

- The introduction of the new training program is not proceeding according to a phase-out scenario; instead, all residents currently in training for general surgery are being switched to a new training plan in the chosen discipline. The Vascular Surgery Recognition Committee established the following rules for this:

- For ongoing rotation plans, all remaining years to be completed will be converted into full years of vascular surgery.

- For students starting their 4th year of training in October 2026, their internship plan will be limited to 6 years, which may be extended upon the advice of the Recognition Committee. These students also start in the Manama of the new discipline and take the UEMS exam as an exit exam.

- For students starting their 5th or 6th year of study in October 2026, their internship plan will be extended to 7 years, potentially to be extended further upon the advice of the accreditation committee. These students will complete the old Manama and will most likely take the UEMS exam as an exit exam.

- For students who would have completed their 6th year of study in October 2026, their internship plan will be extended by 1 year, potentially to be extended further upon the advice of the accreditation committee. These students have already completed their Manama. They will more than likely also take the UZMS exam as an exit exam.

Note that the extra years are conducted under the ‘assistant’ status and not as a fellowship.

- The UEMS exam will be an important exit exam for everyone still in training. Several aspects are still being reviewed with the administration. As soon as all rules are clear, we will inform you about this as well.

2. News regarding internship supervisor/internship centers

- The first applications for internship supervision are currently being processed. The first accreditations are expected starting September 8.

The following were nominated by their universities for accreditation as coordinating internship supervisor:

* Erik Debing (VUB)

* Joke Durnez (UA)

* Nathalie Moreels (UGent)

* Inge Fourneau (KU Leuven)

- As of August 1, 2026, the application to request accreditation as a regional internship supervisor/internship service is open.

NL:

https://www.health.belgium.be/nl/tools/erkenning-s...

FR:

https://www.health.belgium.be/fr/outils/agrement-m...

If you aspire to a position as an internship supervisor/internship service, it is important to have yourself and your colleagues accredited as vascular surgeons as soon as possible. After all, the number of assistants you may take under your wing is equal to the number of vascular surgeons recognized in your department – ​​1, and must be determined at the time of submitting the application.

Specific recognition for vascular surgery at Level 2- update 06/2026 - BSVS