OhioHealth/Grant Medical Center Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Grant Medical Center, part of the OhioHealth system, is designed to prepare future leaders in colorectal surgery through a comprehensive and hands-on training program. This one-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship aims to equip fellows with the expertise necessary to manage patients with various diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. As the program has been training surgeons since 1974, it has produced over 75 graduates who have gone on to significant roles globally in the field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum emphasizes a combination of traditional surgical techniques and modern methodologies. Fellows will engage in both didactic and hands-on training, receiving instruction from experienced, board-certified surgeons. Weekly educational meetings and conferences augment clinical exposure, including dedicated sessions focusing on morbidity, mortality, and multidisciplinary approaches to colorectal oncology. Additionally, fellows participate in a charity colorectal surgery clinic tri-weekly, offering a unique chance to serve underserved communities and gain invaluable clinical experience.

Clinical Experience and Rotations

Fellows at Grant Medical Center will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with six board-certified colorectal surgeons. Training encompasses various surgical techniques including open and minimally invasive procedures using laparoscopic and robotic methods, as well as advanced techniques such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery and laser surgery. The program's affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic allows fellows to benefit from a month-long rotation, enhancing their training through exposure to a renowned center of excellence in colorectal surgery.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to actively partake in clinical research projects pertinent to colorectal surgery. The expectation is for each fellow to submit an abstract for presentation at significant national conferences, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Annual Meeting. This involvement not only contributes to the fellows’ growth as surgeons but also positions them as contributors to the advancement of the specialty.

Simulation Training

The fellowship includes extensive simulation training across three medical campuses within the OhioHealth system—Grant Medical Center, Riverside Methodist Hospital, and Doctors Hospital. The training centers are equipped with state-of-the-art resources, enabling fellows to practice surgical techniques in a controlled environment, including virtual reality simulations, task trainers, and cadaver labs.

Fellow Well-Being

Recognizing the demanding nature of surgical training, the program is committed to fostering the overall well-being of its fellows. A balanced lifestyle is supported through wellness days, 20 vacation days, and no in-house night call or moonlighting requirements. An on-site fitness center membership and access to employee assistance programs further contribute to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Application Requirements

The selection process for the fellowship is competitive and is based on the application materials, references, interviews, and recommendations from the selection committee. Notably, applicants need to have completed an approved general surgery residency. Special emphasis may be put on recent graduates; however, the program is generally IMG-friendly, accepting international medical graduates that meet necessary qualifications.

Visa Support

The fellowship offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The program primarily sponsors J-1 visas, although H-1B visas may be considered based on applicants' circumstances and qualifications. This support enables international fellows to participate in training opportunities in the United States.