Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital Program

Overview of the Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital is a one-year ACGME-accredited clinical program designed to provide comprehensive training for residents in the field of colorectal surgery. The fellowship is structured to accommodate one fellow per year, emphasizing evidence-based practices, quality improvement, and extensive hands-on experience across a range of surgical techniques including open, laparoscopic, and robotic colorectal surgeries. Each fellow has the opportunity to rotate for three months at the University of Michigan, ensuring exposure to a diverse patient population and complex cases.

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The program's curriculum is focused on developing core competencies within the ACGME framework, allowing fellows to engage in extensive didactic training, operative experience, and scholarly activities.

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Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously outlined to provide a balanced mix of clinical, educational, and research experiences. Fellows will spend six months at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital and six months at the University of Michigan, engaging in various rotations that include:

• Clinical Training: Detailed understanding of common and complex diseases affecting the colon and rectum, including inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
• Surgical Techniques: Extensive operative training available in both open and minimally invasive surgeries, including robotic approaches where cutting-edge techniques are applied.
• Outpatient and Inpatient Care: Exposure to high clinical volumes in both outpatient settings and dedicated inpatient surgical services.

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Fellows actively participate in outpatient clinics, leading pre-operative evaluations and post-operative follow-ups, enhancing their clinical decision-making skills.

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Research and Scholarly Activity

The program encourages active participation in research projects focusing on quality improvement and innovative surgical practices. The robust research infrastructure allows residents to engage in institutional and multi-institutional studies, contributing to significant advancements in colorectal surgery.

Fellows are expected to present their research at local and national meetings, with frequent opportunities to gain mentorship from experienced faculty engaged in ongoing studies and clinical trials.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship is distinguished by its commitment to evidence-based practices, particularly through the implementation of the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP), which focuses on optimizing patient outcomes and reducing hospital length of stay following surgery. This protocol has demonstrated success in facilitating rapid recovery through comprehensive preoperative education, multimodal pain management, and expedited discharge planning.

6 The program's emphasis on quality and patient safety initiatives ensures that fellows are part of a culture committed to continuous improvement in clinical practice.

Training and Evaluation

Fellows undergo comprehensive evaluations throughout their training via structured assessments and milestone-based feedback. This systematic approach helps in ensuring progressive independence while providing comprehensive support throughout the year.

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Call Responsibilities and Work Hours

Fellows participate in weekend call rotations and weekday call duties, ensuring they are well-versed in managing surgical emergencies and consultations. The program adheres strictly to ACGME duty hour regulations, promoting a culture of safety and well-being among trainees.

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Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, providing options for J-1 and H-1B visa applications. The fellowship is highly competitive, welcoming both US graduates and eligible international medical graduates.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must meet specific requirements, including completion of an ACGME accredited general surgery residency. Prospective fellows should also be mindful of application timelines, ensuring submission through the appropriate channels.

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Quality of Life and Community

Located in Ann Arbor, the fellowship provides a vibrant community atmosphere paired with the academic environment of the University of Michigan. This collaborative setting encourages fellows to engage not only in their surgical training but also in community outreach and education initiatives.

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Conclusion

Upon completion of the fellowship, graduates are anticipated to emerge as highly skilled colorectal surgeons prepared for independent practice or further academic pursuits. Their training will empower them to deliver enhanced patient care grounded in the principles of surgery, supported by innovative techniques and a commitment to excellence.

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