Fondation FORTĒ & formations

« My fellowship at Centre ASSAL, Geneva, Switzerland, under the mentorship of PD Dr. Mathieu Assal, has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my surgical career.

Centre ASSAL offers a truly exceptional fellowship that combines high-volume surgical exposure, academic excellence, research, and innovation. The opportunity to participate in complex foot and ankle procedures while engaging in journal clubs, research discussions, and evidence-based learning significantly enhanced my surgical skills, clinical decision-making, and confidence.

It was a privilege to learn from an outstanding team of surgeons whose dedication to excellence and teaching created an inspiring learning environment. Witnessing innovative techniques, including the minimally invasive Achilles tendon suturing system and the MIS Bunionectomy System developed at Centre ASSAL, was particularly memorable and reinforced the importance of continuous innovation in patient care.

Beyond the operating room, I was deeply touched by the warmth, generosity, and support of the entire Centre ASSAL team, who made me feel welcome from my very first day in Geneva. Their professionalism, mentorship, and commitment to education made this fellowship an unforgettable experience.

I return to Nepal with immense gratitude, invaluable knowledge, lifelong friendships, and renewed motivation to advance foot and ankle surgery and provide the highest standard of care to my patients. I wholeheartedly recommend the Centre ASSAL Fellowship to any surgeon seeking world-class training in foot and ankle surgery.»

« Dear Centre ASSAL and FORTĒ Foundation Teams,

I am writing to share my experience as a Foot and Ankle Clinical Fellow at Centre ASSAL in Geneva, where I completed a one year fellowship from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.

The fellowship complemented the clinical and surgical training I had received in Argentina and expanded it considerably. The high volume of the practice gave me exposure to complex reconstructions, deformity correction, trauma, and total ankle replacement. Working alongside the different members of the team, I learned a wide range of techniques and, just as valuable, several ways of thinking about patient evaluation, surgical planning, and postoperative care. READ MORE

« As the selected Research fellow of the European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS), my time at the center comes to an end after these past three months. I would like to sincerely thank you all for the warmth, professionalism, and support I received throughout this experience.
It has been a meaningful and enriching journey for me, and I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a dedicated and compassionate team. I’ve learned a great deal and take with me many positive memories.
Thank you again for everything. I wish you all continued success and fulfillment in your important work. »

European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS), Scientific Fellowship, Research fellow

« I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have completed a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the Centre Assal. It was an amazing experience learning from renowned surgeons like PD. Dr. Assal, Dr. Drittenbass, and Dr. Dubois-Ferrière, gaining new insights into diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Beyond that, I truly appreciated the entire team—nurses, administrative staff, and assistants—whose dedication and support make everything possible. I was also fortunate to receive mentorship from PD. Dr. Assal in research, which further deepened my academic and scientific approach. Additionally, I had the chance to attend the Swiss Foot and Ankle Congress in Geneva, led by Dr. Drittenbass, as well as the arthroscopy course directed by Dr. Dubois-Ferrière. This fellowship was an incredible experience that broadened my perspective on the specialty. »

« I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to spend time with you. I was deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of your work, the remarkable team spirit, the dedication to research, the passion for teaching, and the patient-centered approach to medicine. The insightful discussions, including those during the dinner with your team, and the beautifully illustrated atlas with a personal dedication were truly meaningful to me.
This journey has given me a profound understanding of how clinical practice, research, and teamwork can thrive in such a unique and harmonious way. Witnessing this has inspired me to embrace positive changes and motivated me to further invest in my professional development.
Once again, thank you for everything, including your support on behalf of AGA and Swiss Female Orthopaedics. »

« Staying at the Centre ASSAL for 6 months was a unique experience. I have not only gained insights into foot and ankle surgery at the highest level, but also met many inspiring people. My stay in Geneva contributed to both my professional development and personal growth. I will always remember this special period of my life. »

« My fellowship at Centre ASSAL is a very constructive experience. I have been given the opportunity to build up my skills, gain new knowledge and confidence. I truly appreciate the months I have spent there and I believe this will benefit me in many ways once I will be back in my country. »

« Dr Assal is an extraordinary surgeon, researcher, and mentor. Dr Assal and his collaborators saw me as a team member from day one and I felt free to learn and contribute. His practice is a high-volume one where I encountered all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, including complex cases referred in from other foot and ankle surgeons. Coming from this fellowship, I knew that I had a solid foundation to embark on my own practice. Eleven years on, Dr Assal remains a dear friend of mine. »

« (...) on my return to Moscow, I had to start to work a lot with acute war trauma. It was not easy to learn all kinds of external fixation, osteosynthesis and treatment of extensive traumas in the shortest possible time, although Switzerland is very advanced in such techniques and teaching thru the AO. I tried my best to keep myself energized and do everything I could for people. Every day I operate on 2 to 5 cases, arthroscopic reconstructive surgeries or miniinvasivemostly of course, ankle joints, feet and legs surgeries.
We have a very heavy workload, but I like our team and we have all equipment to work comfortably.
I often remember with warmth the wonderful time I spent in Switzerland, working within the walls of your clinic.
Dear Professor, I took many techniques home with me and use them now in my practice everyday.  I am extremely grateful to you for your hospitality, for your care, for the knowledges I received, for your boundaryless teaching.
With infinite respect, Alex Rybnikov »

« This fellowship has been very enriching and inspiring. It has allowed me to deepen my understanding during daily practice as well as further develop my research skills. The willingness to constantly improve to deliver the best possible patient care and the team's seemingly endless flow of new project ideas is impressive. I'm very grateful for this experience. »

« The fellowship at Centre ASSAL is truly a rewarding one. It gives the surgeon the opportunity to improve surgical skills and deepen knowledge in foot and ankle surgery. I had the opportunity to be involved in case discussions and manuscript writing for well renowned journals like Foot and Ankle International. Dr Assal is the master in pilon fracture management and minimally invasive surgery in Achille's tendon rupture. I truly recommend this fellowship to any orthopaedic surgeon who is keen on pursuing a career in foot and ankle surgery. At Centre ASSAL one can observe how a multidisciplinary team works together in delivering the best quality healthcare for patients. »

« I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to train under Dr Assal and his team. It is definitely one of the best training centers in Europe and probably in the world too, if not the best. Really enhanced my skills, knowledge and decision making, especially regarding patient selection and when NOT to put a patient under the knife… that’s something you won’t get from textbooks. »

« It was a privilege to have done my fellowship with the 3 brilliant surgeons, PD Dr Mathieu Assal, Dr Victor Dubois-Ferrière and Dr Lisca Drittenbass. Through their very comprehensive program, I had the opportunity to hone my surgical skills and engage in cutting edge research to constantly improve on existing techniques. A special mention to Dr Assal, who was my mentor during the fellowship. He has definitely taken time out to ensure that my journey there has been a rewarding learning experience with thoughtful welcome to the community in Geneva. »

« During the summer I had the incredible opportunity to spend some time at Centre Assal with Dr Assal, Dr Drittenbass and their phenomenal team. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into how a truly top-tier clinic operates and deepened my understanding of foot and ankle care.
From day one, I was impressed by the clinic's commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as the outstanding facilities. I also appreciated the cutting-edge technology available at Centre Assal. The use of advanced diagnostic tools and surgical techniques allowed the team to provide the highest quality of care. Seeing how these tools were utilised to enhance patient outcomes was enlightening will help me inform my own future practice.
Another thing that stood out to me was the clinic’s multidisciplinary approach to treatment, ensures that each patient receives a holistic and tailored treatment plan that addresses not only their immediate concerns but also their long-term health goals. At the heart of every patient interaction was a dedication to excellence, efficiency and patient-centered care.
The clinic had a great emphasis on education, whether that be amongst the team or with the patients. I witnessed firsthand how the team took the time to ensure that patients fully understood their conditions and treatment options. This not only empowered patients but also fostered a sense of trust and collaboration, which we know is crucial for successful outcomes.
Overall, Centre Assal is not just a clinic but a center of excellence where patients receive the best possible care and where young doctors like myself can learn and grow. I I left this experience feeling incredibly inspired and motivated. I am really looking forward to moving to Switzerland next year, this was such a great introduction to the Swiss healthcare system. Thank you Dr Assal and the team once again for your fantastic work. »

« I have been fortunate to work as a fellow in foot and ankle surgery under the mentorship of Dr Mathieu Assal at Clinique La Colline, Geneva in 2014 and 2015. This fellowship provides great exposure to a large variety of foot and ankle cases and operative techniques, and gives an opportunity to write and publish papers as well. You get to enjoy the beauty of Switzerland as well! »

« Je suis très reconnaissante d’avoir pu effectuer ce stage au sein du Centre ASSAL et de la Clinique de la Colline. J’ai appris beaucoup de choses qui me donnent envie d’en apprendre encore plus. J’ai même eu l’opportunité de suivre les patients au bloc, en salle de réveil puis en chambre lors de leur premier levé, accompagné des physiothérapeutes. Toute l’équipe du Centre ASSAL est formidable et bienveillante. J’ai pu confirmer mon vif intérêt pour le métier de physiothérapeute et je me suis inscrite pour la rentrée de septembre 2025. Un grand merci au Dr Assal et toute son équipe. »

« Cher Dr Assal, chère équipe du Centre Assal,
Un immense merci pour cette magnifique semaine passée dans votre centre. La semaine était extrêmement intéressante, très variée et j’ai énormément appris. Le programme organisé était juste génial car il m‘a permis de voir beaucoup d’aspects différents. En résumé, le stage a dépassé toutes mes attentes!
Je remercie toutes les personnes qui étaient présentes: docteurs, podologue, physio, infirmiers, assistants, secrétaires… Vous étiez tous d’une telle gentillesse, bienveillance et patience! J’ai beaucoup appris grâce aux explications et le temps consacré par toute l’équipe. Et cerise sur le gâteau, il y avait une super ambiance!
Cette semaine me confirme ma motivation pour me lancer dans les études de médecine.
Encore un grand merci ! »

« Les semaines de stage d’observation passées au sein du Centre Assal m’ont permis de découvrir en profondeur les divers aspects de l’approche des soins aux patients ainsi que le fonctionnement du système de santé en Suisse. Actuellement en quatrième année à la faculté de médecine de Bordeaux, j’ai beaucoup appris auprès de chirurgiens d’exception, notamment sur les aspects de recherche et d’innovation du Centre, qui furent pour moi une véritable révélation. Sur le plan pratique, les moments passés au bloc opératoire comme observateur ont été particulièrement enrichissants, les différents chirurgiens ont pris le temps de m’expliquer les diverses étapes opératoires et de répondre à mes questions.

Je tiens à exprimer à nouveau ma gratitude au PD Dr. Assal et au Dr. Dubois-Ferrière pour avoir accepté ma demande de stage, ainsi qu’à toute l’équipe du Centre Assal pour leur encadrement. »