Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, provides an advanced level of training for physicians seeking to specialize in colon and rectal surgery. This fellowship focuses on developing the skills necessary to perform effectively as a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon.

This program accepts one fellow per year and emphasizes a diverse clinical practice with a commitment to excellence in surgical skills, clinical decision-making, and management of patients with colorectal disorders. The fellow is mentored by a distinguished faculty, all of whom bring expertise from various surgical disciplines and engage in collaborative multidisciplinary care for improved patient outcomes 1.

Program Highlights

The fellowship program is distinguished by several key features:

• Comprehensive Training: The program encompasses a thorough and interactive curriculum, including hands-on surgical experience, critical analysis of outcomes, and patient care methodologies 2.
• Research Opportunities: Fellows engage in meaningful research activities through the Surgical Health Outcomes & Research Enterprise (SHORE), which tracks long-term patient outcomes and seeks ways to enhance surgical care quality and safety 2.
• Educational Environment: The program integrates educational activities including symposia and seminars, leveraging insights from a broad array of surgical specialties 2.
• Wellness Focus: A commitment to resident well-being is fostered through initiatives that promote self-care partnerships and community support 2.
• Simulation Training: Residents benefit from a state-of-the-art simulation program that includes various modalities to enhance learning and skill acquisition 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship is designed to promote comprehensive learning in six core ACGME competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Training is primarily focused on:

• Preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients with colorectal disorders.
• Training in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery.
• Exposure to a variety of colorectal cases, enhancing the fellow's ability to handle complex clinical situations.

Training Sites

The program's training takes place at Strong Memorial Hospital, which is equipped with the necessary facilities and technology to support advanced colorectal surgical procedures. This institution also emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare and fosters collaboration with various specialists, including oncologists, gastroenterologists, and nutritionists 1.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have:

• Successfully completed an ACGME- or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)-accredited residency program in surgery lasting at least five years.
• Certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) or completion of the educational requirements to sit for the ABS qualifying examinations.

Applications are accepted through ERAS between August 1st and October 1st, with interviews typically held from August to October 4.

Visa Support

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship, which is essential for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to reside and work in the U.S. The program accepts J-1 and H-1B visa types, accommodating qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Candidate Profile

The fellowship is considered competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds, including U.S. allopathic medical graduates, DO graduates, and international medical graduates. A strong foundation in surgical residency training is critical for success in the selection process.

Living in Rochester

Rochester, New York, offers a rich environment for residents, characterized by an affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and proximity to natural amenities like the Finger Lakes region. The city is known for its strong community ties and commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an attractive destination for medical professionals 5.

Residents can expect an engaging lifestyle with a plethora of recreational, cultural, and culinary experiences within the city and its surroundings, thus ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life outside of the rigorous demands of medical training 5.