Albany Medical Center Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgical Fellowship at Albany Medical Center is a comprehensive program designed to educate and train surgeons in all facets of colon and rectal surgery. This fellowship is a one-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and prepares fellows for certification by The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. The training takes place at Albany Medical Center, a 766-bed tertiary care hospital and the only academic health sciences center in northeastern New York. The program offers a robust curriculum encompassing inpatient care, outpatient evaluation, management, endoscopy, and surgical procedures.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, fellows are actively involved in teaching general surgery residents, medical students, and healthcare professionals. They also participate in various ongoing clinical research projects within the division, emphasizing the importance of a scholarly approach in surgical education and practice 1.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum is designed around a mentorship model, allowing fellows to rotate with all faculty members, thereby gaining exposure to a wide range of colon and rectal surgical techniques. This includes not only traditional surgical methods but also minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Academy members perform advanced procedures such as Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM), Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME), and sacral nerve stimulator placements 2.

Throughout the year, fellows can expect to engage in a comprehensive operatives caseload that averages: 225-250 major abdominal procedures, 150-170 anorectal operative procedures, and 200-250 colonoscopies each year. A structured didactic program complements the clinical experience with conferences and rounds including Grand Rounds, a GI Tumor Board, Journal Club, Morbidity and Mortality Conference, and pathology meetings, enhancing the educational experience 2.

Training Environment

Albany Medical Center is recognized for its vast array of clinical cases and the collaborative team environment that fosters professional growth. The program's emphasis on Health Systems Science also equips fellows with the skills needed for effective leadership within the medical community. Furthermore, resources are provided to support well-being and work-life balance, reducing burnout and stress often faced during intensive training periods 1.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants to the Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship must meet several key requirements. Candidates need to have successfully completed a five-year ACGME-accredited General Surgery residency program and must be board-eligible in General Surgery. The application process requires the submission of materials through ERAS, including a CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation (the third being from the current program director or department chair), a Dean's letter, a copy of the diploma, an undergraduate transcript, ABSITE scores, and, for international graduates, a valid ECFMG certificate. Notably, Albany Medical College exclusively accepts J-1 visas for its fellowship positions 3.

Living in Albany

Living in Albany offers numerous advantages, including a vibrant community with robust economic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The Capital Region is conducive to a balanced lifestyle, providing a supportive environment for both personal and professional development, which is vital during a fellow's intensive training year 1.

Competitiveness and Fellowship Diversity

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Albany is considered a highly competitive program. It engages with a diverse applicant pool, welcoming candidates from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG graduates. The availability of unique surgical experiences, a mentorship-focused learning environment, and comprehensive training makes it an attractive choice for prospective fellows 3.