University at Buffalo Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers a comprehensive, one-year ACGME-accredited training program focused on advanced techniques and conditions associated with colon and rectal surgery. The fellowship is based primarily at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, with supplementary rotations at Buffalo General Medical Center, Sisters of Charity Hospital, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. The program is designed for only one fellow per year, making it a highly competitive opportunity.

During this fellowship year, the fellow gains extensive exposure and hands-on experience in various clinical settings, where they will be expected to achieve proficiency in office practice, outpatient procedures, inpatient anorectal surgery, major colonic surgery, laparoscopic and robotic colon surgery, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic colon and rectal procedures, including stomal care. On completion of the fellowship, the fellow will be eligible to take the certifying examination offered by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

The program places particular emphasis on innovative research opportunities, such as participating in clinical trials. For instance, fellows may engage in cutting-edge research involving devices such as the Colorectal Balloon Tube (COLO-BT), which has the potential to revolutionize colorectal cancer surgeries by omitting the need for ileostomies, thereby reducing complications and improving patients' post-operative quality of life. The program intends to enroll 256 patients who meet specific criteria into this clinical trial

1. This proactive engagement with clinical trials and research initiatives signifies the program's commitment to advancing surgical methodologies and improving patient care.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for this fellowship opens typically in December for the subsequent academic year, and candidates are encouraged to apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). To be eligible, applicants must have completed a full general surgical training program accredited by ACGME and must be either board-certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Surgery. Interviews commence in the following spring, where prospective fellows are assessed by program faculty, including the program director and associates, as well as current fellows.

As the fellowship accepts only one fellow annually, this indicates the highly competitive nature of the application process, and candidates with strong backgrounds and experiences in surgical training are prioritized. The program may consider applicants with osteopathic backgrounds as well as international medical graduates (IMGs), thus enhancing its diversity and inclusivity among candidates.

The anticipated academic performance, including USMLE scores, the number of attempts allowed on the examination, and other academic credentials are imperative for prospective fellows to be competitive in their application. Recommended submission elements include a curriculum vitae and letters of recommendation, with three being mandatory.

Visa Support

The program recognizes the importance of providing visa support for international candidates. The University at Buffalo’s Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship is known to sponsor J-1 visas. This facilitates international medical graduates to participate in this rigorous training program, thus aligning with the program's commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment.

Unique Aspects of the Program

In addition to clinical training, fellows will experience a well-structured educational framework that includes regular didactic sessions, case presentations, and a commitment to scholarly activity. Fellows are also provided with opportunities to teach, engage in research activities, and present findings at national conferences, thus contributing to their professional development and enhancing their expertise in the field of colon and rectal surgery.

Furthermore, the program's association with multiple hospitals within the Kaleida Health System provides a breadth of clinical exposures, accommodating a variety of surgical cases and complexity levels. Fellows have the opportunity to learn and operate in cutting-edge surgical environments, utilizing advanced techniques in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.