Duke University Hospital Program

The Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Duke University offers a comprehensive two-year clinical and research experience designed for fully trained general surgeons aiming to become academic leaders in the field of surgical oncology. The program is based at the prestigious Duke University Medical Center and Duke Cancer Institute, renowned for delivering exceptional cancer care locally and across the globe.

The fellowship program is structured to provide extensive hands-on experience in various surgical oncology specialties. Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited general surgery residency program in the United States or Canada to be eligible for the fellowship.

Program Features

Training Structure

The core curriculum for the fellowship includes diverse training opportunities across a range of services:

• Breast Surgery: 1-2 months
• Endocrine Surgery: 1-2 months
• Colorectal Surgery: 1-3 months
• Melanoma Surgery: 2 months
• Sarcoma/Gastric/Peritoneal Malignancies: 2 months
• Liver/Pancreas Surgery: 2-10 months
• Community Surgical Oncology: 2 months

Fellows are required to participate in at least one day per week in clinics corresponding to each of these specialties. This structure ensures direct exposure to multidisciplinary care and compliance with the requirements for board certification in multiple oncological disciplines. Furthermore, fellows can focus on specific areas of interest in the second year while maintaining the minimum case requirements. Duke’s program is particularly unique because it offers a pathway for fellows to receive dual certification in Complex General Surgical Oncology and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery, distinguishing it among fellowships in this field.

Research and Clinical Experience

Each fellow will also have a dedicated month to rotate through medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology, tailored to the fellow’s individual interests. Four months of the fellowship are reserved for clinical research, with opportunities for fellows interested in basic science research evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The didactic components of the curriculum are integrated into existing educational frameworks and enhanced to cover the full spectrum of general surgical oncology topics.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a faculty composed of internationally recognized leaders in surgical oncology, featuring over 25 esteemed surgical faculty members specializing in areas such as hepatobiliary, soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma, and breast surgery. The faculty’s commitment to education is aimed at fostering the development of fellows into competent and knowledgeable surgical oncologists.

Application Process and Eligibility

To apply for the fellowship, candidates should submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), along with a current curriculum vitae, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, USMLE and ABSITE scores, a recent photograph, and an ECFMG certificate if applicable. The fellowship participates in the national match program administered by the NRMP. All applicants must have completed a residency in an accredited general surgery program in the U.S. or Canada before starting the fellowship.

Visa Sponsorship

Duke University Hospital provides visa support for international applicants. The program typically sponsors J-1 visas for qualified applicants, facilitating their participation in the fellowship.

Competitiveness

The Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Duke is competitive and seeks candidates with a strong background in general surgery. The program is open to both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates, supporting a diverse applicant pool.

Fellows and Alumni

Recent graduates of the fellowship program have secured positions in esteemed institutions across the country, indicating the program's strong reputation and effective training.