Advanced Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology

The curriculum is designed around competency-based objectives rooted in the ACGME core competencies. To achieve the objectives, the fellow will participate in nine designated colorectal surgery service rotations, one medical oncology/radiation oncology rotation and one elective rotation.

To supplement the academic development of the fellow, one month of protected research time will also be provided. The entirety of the curriculum will be conducted over a 12-month period. The ACRSO fellows are integrated into the research program of the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery. There are abundant research opportunities, including exposure to clinical trials and cancer registry based large data outcomes research.

The format of the clinical rotations will be a mix of apprenticeship experiences with 1:1 fellow to faculty ratio and colorectal service rotations with a 1:2-3 fellow to faculty ratio. This combination allows for comprehensive and immersive exposure to the inpatient and outpatient colorectal oncology practice of the 9 faculty.

In both the clinical and operative environments, the faculty will supervise the trainee’s progression toward independence. To support the clinical experience, additional educational sessions will occur through didactic lectures, journal clubs, grand rounds, multidisciplinary conferences and one-on-one teaching sessions with faculty.

The combination of clinical exposure and interactive educational opportunities will provide for a comprehensive experience in colorectal oncology for the advanced surgical fellow. At the completion of the fellowship, the trainee will have gained technical experience in minimally invasive colon and rectal surgical oncology including low and complex rectal cancer, intersphincteric resections for low rectal cancer and multivisceral resections.

In addition, the trainee will gain experience in traditional open resection for locally advanced and recurrent cancers, including partial, total, and extended pelvic exenterations, lateral pelvic compartment resection and sacral resection. The trainee will also be exposed to multidisciplinary reconstruction techniques.

Completion of prior advanced surgical training within a 1-2 year Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship (e.g. ABSCRS, CSSANZ, or equivalent), or two-year Complex General Surgical Oncology fellowship are pre-requisite as well as board eligibility or certification in General Surgery or the equivalent in the applicant’s home country.

This fellowship is available to both U.S. domestic and International trainees who have successfully completed and passed the USMLE parts 1 and 2.

Applications should be emailed to the Director or Operations Manager.