New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia and Cornell Campus) Program

The vascular surgery fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital encompasses training at both Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical Center, constituting an ACGME-accredited two-year program. The program is designed to accept two fellows annually, thereby allowing for an enriching experience through diverse clinical exposure.

The fellowship program divides its duration into two primary years: the PGY-6 and PGY-7. The PGY-6 year primarily focuses on the development of clinical research projects in collaboration with distinguished faculty members and hones clinical and technical skills in noninvasive vascular testing methods and endovascular procedures. This dual emphasis prepares trainees to engage actively with cutting-edge research while mastering essential technical competencies in vascular surgery methods.

The subsequent PGY-7 year is dedicated to immersing fellows in comprehensive surgical training. During this year, fellows gain extensive exposure to various forms of vascular surgical interventions, including but not limited to interventions for carotid, aortic, and lower extremity circulation. Such experiences solidify their expertise and prepare them for a specialized practice in vascular surgery.

Training Sites and Curriculum

The program operates across two significant training sites: NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia in Washington Heights and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell in upper Manhattan. This unique structure not only fosters a rich learning environment but also provides fellows with the opportunity to participate in a broad range of surgical procedures and clinical cases. The facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art endovascular operating room suites, allowing fellows to observe and participate in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Furthermore, the curriculum is structured to provide rigorous didactic sessions. A weekly vascular surgery educational conference serves as a platform for fellows to receive instruction on critical subjects such as vascular pathophysiology and the interpretation of vascular diagnostic testing. This combination of hands-on surgical training and comprehensive educational programming equips fellows with both technical skills and theoretical knowledge, establishing a well-rounded educational foundation.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on clinical research. In the first year, alongside learning and practicing clinical skills, fellows are encouraged to collaborate on research projects. This involvement is crucial in advancing both the fellows' understanding of evidence-based practices and contributing to the broader medical community through scholarly activity. The program's faculty, recognized as some of the largest collective experts in vascular surgery in the nation, provide ample support and mentorship for innovation in research.

Application and Competitiveness

The application process for the vascular surgery fellowship is highly competitive. Only applications submitted via the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) will be considered. Interested candidates are advised to evaluate their qualifications carefully, as only those who meet the program's academic standards typically progress in the selection process.1

Visa Support

The program is committed to supporting international medical graduates in obtaining the necessary visas for training purposes. It typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, thereby facilitating the educational opportunities for those who require visa assistance to join the fellowship. The support mechanism is designed to ensure a smooth transition for candidates from diverse backgrounds into a complex training environment.1

Unique Aspects

The program prides itself on its robust endovascular training, with fellows being exposed to an extensive array of both endovascular and catheter-based procedures. This unique focus enables fellows to become proficient in various innovative surgical techniques that are pertinent in today's evolving medical landscape. Advanced procedures such as minimally invasive carotid and aortic interventions are a notable aspect of the program, aiming to equip fellows with skills that meet the current demands of vascular surgery practices.1