Orlando Health Program

The Colon and Rectal Fellowship Program at Orlando Health offers a rigorous and comprehensive training experience for those seeking to specialize in colorectal surgery. This program, established in 1990, became part of Orlando Health in late 2022 and continues to evolve, providing fellows with an advanced understanding of colorectal diseases and surgical interventions.

Program Overview

The fellowship accommodates three (3) ACGME-accredited colorectal residents and two (2) non-ACGME minimally invasive surgery fellows annually. The curriculum is designed to cover a broad spectrum of colorectal surgical practices, focusing on both traditional and minimally invasive techniques.

Clinical Training Sites

The training occurs across multiple state-of-the-art facilities within Orlando Health, including the flagship Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, and various outpatient surgery centers. These diverse clinical environments ensure fellows receive exposure to a wide range of cases and conditions, from complex inflammatory bowel diseases to benign anorectal procedures 2.

Fellowship Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• Multidisciplinary cancer care, closely collaborating with the certified Orlando Health Cancer Institute.
• Management strategies for complex inflammatory bowel diseases, involving gastroenterologists and IBD specialists.
• In-depth training in outpatient anorectal surgery and endoscopic procedures.
• Robust experience in minimally invasive surgery, using advanced robotic surgical systems like the Da Vinci Xi.
• Exposure to advanced transanal techniques, including TAMIS and TaTME.
• Broad clinical experience in pelvic floor disorders, encompassing both evaluation and surgical management.
• Structured didactic sessions, including weekly lectures and journal clubs, to enhance learning and clinical reasoning.

Research Opportunities

Research is a crucial component of the fellowship, where residents engage in projects aimed at presentations at the ASCRS annual meeting and subsequent publication. The program encourages collaboration through the Orlando Health Colon and Rectal Research Consortium, fostering partnerships between residents, attending physicians, and medical students to advance research efforts 6.

Conferences and Didactics

Fellows participate in various conferences, which include:

• Weekly didactic lectures covering topics from the ASCRS textbook.
• Monthly morbidity and mortality reviews aimed at improving systems of care.
• Clinical case reviews to enhance diagnostic and treatment planning skills.
• Journal clubs focused on current literature in colon and rectal surgery.

Application Requirements

Eligible candidates should have successfully completed an ACGME or AOA-accredited General Surgery Residency Program and must be board eligible in general surgery. Applications are accepted solely through ERAS, with submissions due by August 15 for consideration 9.

Competitive Aspects

The fellowship is noted for being highly competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants. The program maintains a strong commitment to inclusivity and encourages applications from both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates. A limited number of failed STEP exams might be acceptable, emphasizing a focus on quality candidates with appropriate qualifications.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program provides visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas. This is particularly beneficial for international medical graduates seeking training opportunities in the United States.

Structured Support for Residents

In addition to comprehensive clinical training, the program emphasizes the well-being of its fellows. Structured resources include access to wellness programs, individual coaching, and support from a team dedicated to the professional and personal development of residents 12.