Roger Williams Medical Center Program
Location:
Providence, RISpecialty:
Complex general surgical oncologyACGME Code:
4464344001Thank you for your interest in the Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the Roger Williams Medical Center. The program is recognized as one of the original Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) approved programs and received ACGME accreditation in 2013. This fellowship offers a comprehensive training experience designed to develop academic surgical oncologists who will achieve mastery in the technical and cognitive aspects of the specialty.
The fellowship, which runs for two years, focuses on multidisciplinary management of complex abdominal malignancies, with additional dedicated programs for breast and head and neck cancers. Roger Williams Medical Center serves as a regional referral center for hepato-bilio-pancreatic pathologies and sarcomas, offering fellows unique opportunities to engage in population-based research, specifically through the Geriatric Surgical Oncology and Cancer Care Disparities programs 1.
Educational Curriculum
The primary objective of the fellowship curriculum is to provide a robust clinical experience complemented by a strong focus on surgical oncology principles. The program includes comprehensive didactic education covering essential areas such as tumor biology, biostatistics, ethics, protocol writing, and grant development. Fellows are expected to produce at least one manuscript annually and to successfully defend a treatment protocol before the Institutional Review Board (IRB) 1.
Intensive mentorship is an essential feature of the fellowship, focusing on clinical research projects, presentations, and manuscript preparations. This structure aims to facilitate the fellow's transition into a well-rounded surgical oncologist with a firm foundation in clinical investigation 1.
Clinical Rotations
The first year consists of two four-month core rotations at Roger Williams Medical Center, focusing on General Surgical Oncology. The Division is split into two teams; one team specializes in head and neck malignancies as well as breast tumors, while the other concentrates on hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal, and endocrine surgery, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, fellows participate in four-week rotations in Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Pathology 1.
The second year includes four months of dedicated research time, with rotations in the Women & Infants Hospital's Breast Department and with the gynecologic oncology service. Furthermore, fellows are provided with a one-month funded international elective, enriching their global surgical oncology experience 1.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages fellows to engage actively in research protocols at both institutional and multi-institutional levels. Areas of focus include ongoing studies on neoadjuvant therapies for head and neck, pancreas, liver, and rectal tumors, as well as protocols for melanoma and breast cancer 1.
Fellows gain exposure to clinical outcomes research initiatives through the Geriatric Oncology and Cancer Care Disparities research programs, greatly enhancing their academic portfolios and research acumen 1.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The fellowship is highly competitive, and prospective fellows must have completed an approved general surgical residency. Applicants must also be eligible for the American Board of Surgery examination. Preparatory materials and supporting documents must be processed through the AAMC ERAS system, with a strict adherence to application timelines and requirements 1.
In summary, prospective fellows must be well-prepared to showcase their qualifications and readiness for the rigors of surgical oncology through both academic and practical experiences 1.
Visa Sponsorship
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, typically through the J-1 visa type, which allows training in the United States while ensuring compliance with federal regulations regarding the employment of foreign nationals 1.
Website
Director
Abdul Saied Calvino, MDProgram Director, Attending Surgical Oncologist, Roger Williams Medical Center Appointed Since October 2019Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$83,761First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Providence, RI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Providence, RI
- Crime rate and safety: Providence is generally a safe city, but it does have some areas with higher crime rates. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Fun activities: There are many exciting things to do in Providence, such as visiting WaterFire events, exploring Waterplace Park, enjoying the culinary scene on Federal Hill, and visiting the RISD Museum.
- Climate: Providence has a humid subtropical climate with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter months.
- Races and population: Providence is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities and races. The population is around 180,000 people.
- Education: Providence is home to several prestigious universities, including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Providence is slightly higher than the national average, especially for housing. However, it may be more affordable compared to some other major cities.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Boston, MA is approximately 50 miles away from Providence, which is about a 1-hour drive. Boston offers a vibrant city life with numerous cultural attractions, restaurants, and historical sites.
- Pros: Diverse population, cultural attractions, close to Boston, prestigious universities.
- Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, higher cost of living compared to some other locations.
Interview Questions
