St Francis Hospital and Medical Center Program

The Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery is a one-year program based at Saint Francis Hospital, which is a major urban tertiary referral center and a teaching facility for the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. This program provides an opportunity for fully trained general surgeons to gain specialized training in the treatment of diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. The fellowship combines comprehensive training with exposure to a wide variety of benign and malignant colon and rectal conditions.

Residents in this fellowship will experience in-depth exposure to both medical and surgical management, encompassing both outpatient and inpatient settings. Responsibilities of the colon and rectal surgery fellow include managing inpatient care, performing consultations, running an outpatient surgery clinic, and teaching general surgery fellows as well as medical students. All activities conducted by fellows are under the supervision of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery faculty, ensuring a high standard of mentorship and educational experience.

Clinical Rotations and Responsibilities

The fellow is expected to manage the colon and rectal service at Saint Francis Hospital, which includes overseeing an inpatient census that ranges from 8 to 16 patients. This involves daily rounds, writing progress notes, ordering labs and investigations, and executing surgical procedures alongside the supervising faculty. A second year general surgery fellow may also be assigned to assist the colon and rectal fellow, providing collaborative learning experiences.

Hands-on Surgical Experience

Fellows receive robust training in various surgical techniques, including therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy. Daily colonoscopy procedures are available, and surgical operations are performed in both outpatient and main operating room settings. This exposure allows fellows to engage in a diverse array of cases and procedures under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

Research and Academic Responsibilities

The fellowship emphasizes research activity, requiring fellows to submit an abstract for presentation at local and regional meetings, and to submit a manuscript before completing the program. There is a structured evaluation system in place where fellows are evaluated quarterly, assessing various competencies such as patient care, medical knowledge, and ethical attributes. Additionally, the program follows up with ongoing evaluation sessions to support fellow development.

Curriculum and Educational Conferences

A structured didactic curriculum accompanies the clinical training, featuring a variety of teaching conferences, including research presentations, case discussions, and literature reviews. These educational sessions are designed to enhance the surgical knowledge and academic performance of the fellows. For instance, there is a dedicated journal club and regular tumor board meetings that are integral to clinical decision-making and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Service and Call Responsibilities

Fellows are required to take call at Saint Francis Hospital approximately every third weekend, handling inpatient rounds with attending staff. Importantly, the program stipulates no in-house call during weekdays; rather, night coverage is managed through the general surgery service, ensuring a balanced work-life structure.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports international candidates and provides sponsorship for J-1 visas, accommodating international medical graduates. The fellowship demonstrates a welcoming stance towards DO and IMG candidates, striving to foster a diverse applicant pool.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the program are expected to have completed their fifth year of general surgery training and to be board-eligible for the American Board of Surgery examination. Candidates should ensure their application aligns with the program's specific criteria, but there are no explicit maximums for failed STEP exams indicated. The program uses the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) for applications, critical for suitable candidates aiming to pursue this fellowship.