Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring colorectal surgeons. This one-year program is ACGME-accredited and offers admission to one fellow each year, providing a focused and intensive training experience.

Clinical Exposure

Fellows gain extensive clinical exposure to a comprehensive range of diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery is dedicated to managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center serving as a key regional referral resource for complex cases. The program is well-versed in advanced surgical techniques, employing state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedures including standard laparoscopy, robotic-assisted surgery, and innovative approaches for rectal cancer and complex anorectal conditions.

Expected Surgical Volume

Each fellow can expect to participate in approximately 200 to 300 abdominal surgeries annually, with over 60% being minimally invasive. The program also emphasizes the value of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for rectal polyps and early-stage malignancies. The fellow will conduct around 150 to 200 colonoscopies and 100 sigmoidoscopies, and will engage with approximately 500 new patients in clinical settings, where cases typically encompass 35% IBD, 35% colorectal cancer, and 30% benign disorders.

Rotation Structure

The fellowship features a unique rotation schedule where the Colon and Rectal Surgery fellow alternates between two teams—the blue team and the white team—over six-week intervals. Responsibilities include managing inpatient care, participating in clinic activities, and assisting in surgical procedures. Moreover, fellows will not have in-house call obligations, instead sharing weekend call responsibilities with the chief General Surgery resident.

Educational Conferences

Mandatory participation in various educational conferences is a cornerstone of the fellowship experience. This includes:

• Pre-Operative Case Conference: Analyzes upcoming surgical cases and relevant studies every Wednesday morning.
• GI Tumor Board: A multidisciplinary discussion of complex gastrointestinal cancers held on the last Friday of each month.
• Colon and Rectal Didactic Series: Weekly sessions covering essential topics in colorectal surgery, with fellows and the chief resident presenting regularly.

Research Opportunities

The program supports robust research endeavors with access to dedicated research staff and facilities. In tandem, the fellows' participation in the annual Resident/Fellow Research Day allows them to showcase their scholarly work to colleagues across various disciplines.

Diversity and Wellness

Penn State Health emphasizes diversity and wellness, offering resources tailored to the emotional and physical well-being of trainees. The institution supports initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and mitigating burnout among medical professionals.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship options, typically including J-1 and H-1B visa types, aiding international medical graduates in training and pursuing their careers in the United States. The fellowship is recognized as highly competitive; in addition to MDs, it welcomes applications from DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs), ensuring a diverse entry cohort.

Application Requirements

Applicants must navigate the application process through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), submitting essential documents such as a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, USMLE scores, a personal statement, and a dean's letter from their medical school. Specific attention is given to candidates' year of graduation and any limits on failed STEP exams, ensuring a fair evaluation of qualifications.

Living and Working in Hershey, PA

The environment in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is designed to offer a balance between professional and personal life. Resources for residents and fellows include wellness initiatives, community engagement opportunities, and support for significant others seeking employment.