NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

The Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is a prestigious, one-year clinical program that is designed for candidates seeking in-depth training in the management of colorectal diseases. This fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers a competitive opportunity for one fellow annually.

Fellows enrolled in the program engage in extensive clinical experience, covering a wide spectrum of colon and rectal cancer management, benign anorectal diseases, and advanced colonoscopy techniques. They receive comprehensive exposure to various surgical methodologies, including open, robotic, and laparoscopic techniques, allowing them to develop proficiency in both benign and malignant pathology cases 1.

Rotation Structure

The curriculum is structured into one-month blocks across three main services. These rotations include the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) service, the minimally invasive–robotic general colorectal service at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital and Kimmel Pavilion, and the colorectal surgery service at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. This approach ensures that fellows receive a well-rounded education by participating in a diverse array of clinical settings 1.

Research Opportunities

While the program emphasizes clinical training, fellows are also encouraged to participate in various research projects available at the institution. Opportunities are available in both outcomes and clinical research. The fellowship promotes engagement in academic activities, urging fellows to prepare manuscripts and abstracts for presentation at scientific meetings. The focus on research supports the development of analytical skills that fellows will utilize throughout their careers 1.

Inpatient and Outpatient Responsibilities

Role responsibilities encompass both inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient duties include being a point person for postoperative patient care, coordinating with surgical residents, medical students, and advanced practice providers. This integrated experience allows fellows to hone their skills in patient management and complexity of care 1.

Outpatient responsibilities involve participating in office-based practices and procedures, seeing patients with a variety of colorectal conditions, and gaining experience in the pelvic floor lab. This also includes performing and interpreting various pelvic floor studies, enhancing fellows' capabilities in comprehensive colorectal surgical care 1.

Operating Room Experience

Operating room experience is a fundamental aspect of the fellowship. Fellows are expected to engage in a significant volume of surgical cases, with progressive autonomy in performing procedures. This exposure is critical for developing the confidence and expertise necessary to conduct complex colorectal surgeries, including anal and rectal surgeries 1.

Academic and Professional Development

The fellowship experience is augmented by participation in numerous meetings and conferences, which cover a range of educational topics. These include weekly multidisciplinary tumor board meetings, surgical morbidity and mortality conferences, and a monthly journal club. Such experiences facilitate continuous learning and contribute to a collaborative academic environment 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program is committed to supporting international applicants and provides visa sponsorship for fellows under the J-1 visa status, which is common for residency training opportunities in the United States. Eligible candidates include both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates, with no specific restrictions regarding year of graduation or a maximum number of fails on Step exams. However, competitiveness for the fellowship remains high 1.

Program Competitiveness

Despite its competitive nature, the Colorectal Surgery Fellowship is considered friendly towards candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates. This inclusive approach helps promote a rich academic environment 1.