New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus) Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus) is an ACGME accredited one-year program designed for advanced training in the field of colon and rectal surgery. This fellowship accepts two candidates per year at the PGY-6 level, ensuring a focused and in-depth training experience for participating fellows.

The program involves a structured rotation through three prestigious institutions: Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Fellows are divided into two six-month blocks that significantly contribute to a well-rounded educational experience in colon and rectal surgery.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to provide extensive exposure to a diverse set of clinical cases and surgical techniques. Training includes handling inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal malignancies, diverticular disease, and a variety of other benign and functional disorders of the colon and rectum. At Weill Cornell, the fellows work alongside surgeons who have pioneered many minimally invasive surgical techniques and have provided leadership in advanced colorectal surgery for many years 4.

As part of the fellowship, a strong emphasis is placed on didactic learning. This includes weekly Grand Rounds and a core curriculum review that covers fundamental and contemporary topics in colorectal surgery. The depth of training at both Weill Cornell and MSKCC enhances the fellows' surgical acumen and prepares them to manage complex patient cases.

Training Sites

Fellows will have the opportunity to rotate through the following institutions:

• Weill Cornell Medicine: Located in Manhattan, this institution is recognized for its robust sophistication in colon and rectal surgery. It also serves as a tertiary referral center for complex clinical cases.
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Renowned for its focus on cancer treatment, MSKCC provides unique exposure to the multidisciplinary management of colorectal cancer patients and the latest surgical interventions, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted approaches 4.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program encourages fellows to engage in clinical and educational research projects. Fellows are expected to present their findings at major surgical conferences and contribute to relevant publications. Research activities bolster the academic environment and promote evidence-based surgical practices, leading to better patient outcomes

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs) interested in applying. This commitment underscores the program's accessibility to a diverse group of qualified candidates from various backgrounds. While highly competitive, the fellowship has demonstrated a welcoming stance towards DO and IMG applicants, fostering a diverse educational environment.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship, candidates are typically required to have completed a general surgery residency and possess board eligibility in general surgery. Additional specific requirements may vary, and it is essential for applicants to present solid USMLE scores along with a compelling application package, which includes letters of recommendation and a comprehensive curriculum vitae.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship's structure fosters close mentorship and training by recognized leaders in the field, ensuring that fellows are not only learning surgical techniques but also developing as educators and researchers. Furthermore, the collaborative atmosphere of Weill Cornell Medicine, MSKCC, and Columbia University ensures that the learning experience is enriched through interdisciplinary exposure to various surgical disciplines.