Aurora Health Care Program

The Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Aurora Health Care is a two-year program tailored to provide comprehensive training in general surgical oncology. Each year, one fellow is accepted into the program, which is primarily based at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. This program encompasses a wide range of surgical oncology practices and emphasizes a combination of significant clinical exposure, research opportunities, and unique operational features that distinguish it in the field of surgical oncology.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship program is meticulously structured to include a mix of clinical rotations and research initiatives. The first-year fellow will engage in six blocks concentrating on the surgical oncology/hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) services, two blocks focused on research, two blocks in breast surgical oncology, and a combined rotation in medical oncology, pathology, and radiation oncology. In the second year, the fellow will also take part in seven blocks on surgical/HPB services, two blocks of research, two elective blocks, and two blocks encompassing colorectal/gynecologic and endocrine/head and neck surgery. This expansive curriculum is designed to ensure that fellows gain considerable experience across various surgical oncology disciplines.

Rotations

The clinical rotations primarily take place within the greater Milwaukee area, notably at the flagship Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. The fellowship encompasses a variety of surgical procedures, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, and specialties such as thoracic oncology, urologic oncology, and orthopedic oncology. The program allows fellows to engage in advanced techniques such as microwave and radiofrequency ablations, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and irreversible electroporation (Nano knife) for complex cases.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages a substantial focus on research, allotting four blocks specifically for clinical, basic science, and translational research. Fellows work closely with faculty members based on their research interests, leveraging the resources of the Aurora Research Institute (ARI) located on the Aurora Sinai Medical Center campus. This center includes advanced labs and facilities dedicated to both basic and translational research, robustly supporting fellows' academic endeavors.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of the Aurora Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship is its incorporation of advanced treatment modalities, including unique technologies like the Nano knife and specialized programs for HIPEC. Furthermore, the merging of Aurora Health Care with Advocate Health Care has established one of the largest health systems in Wisconsin, treating over 8,600 new cancer cases annually. This affiliation enhances the fellowship's capabilities in offering expansive clinical exposure and pioneering research initiatives.

Training Sites

The primary clinical training site for the fellowship is Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, which stands as a quaternary care center with a capacity of over 700 beds. Additionally, fellows may participate in rotations at other facilities within the Health Care system, providing a breadth of experience across various oncology subspecialties.

Salary and Benefits

The Aurora Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship provides a competitive salary along with comprehensive health coverage for fellows and eligible dependents. The benefit package also includes various perks that bolster the fellows' quality of life during training. Detailed information on salary and benefits can be typically found through the program’s resources.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency program and are required to be certified or admissible for examination by the American Board of Surgery. The application process is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and fellows requiring J-1 visa sponsorship are accommodated. The program does not sponsor H category visas. It is important to note that interviews are conducted by invitation only, and applicants are encouraged to not inquire about their application status directly.

Competitiveness and Admission Requirements

The complexity and focus of this fellowship make it highly competitive, requiring successful candidates to exemplify excellence in their previous training. There may also be specific application requirements, such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams, which potential candidates should be aware of as part of the application guidelines.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports applicants requiring a J-1 visa for participation. However, it is essential to note that there is no sponsorship available for H-type category visas.