University of Alabama Hospital Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama Hospital is designed to train the next generation of academic colorectal surgeons. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach that combines robust clinical exposure, advanced surgical techniques, and extensive research opportunities. Fellowship candidates will benefit from the faculty's strong clinical backgrounds across all aspects of colorectal surgery, including advanced minimally invasive techniques such as robotic, laparoscopic, and hand-assisted procedures.

Comprising prominent leaders in the field, the faculty have significant experience and a long history of mentorship, with many holding leadership positions in reputed surgical societies. They are also actively involved in groundbreaking research, serving as Principal Investigators on several National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, as well as national society grants, enabling fellows to engage in high-level research activities as part of their training 1.

The fellowship training involves a busy clinical practice, with fellows seeing a high volume of diverse cases ranging from routine procedures to complex surgical interventions. Faculty perform over 500 anorectal surgeries and 900 abdominal procedures each year, which includes intricate cases such as restorative proctocolectomy and advanced endoscopy 1.

Training Facilities

The UAB Hospital is the primary venue for the fellowship, recognized as the 8th largest public hospital in the U.S. with more than 1,200 beds. As Alabama's leading tertiary referral center, UAB Hospital serves a diverse patient population, further enhancing the fellows' training through varied clinical exposure. The program includes training across multiple sites including UAB Highlands and the Birmingham VA Medical Center, with extensive access to operating rooms equipped with modern technology, including robotic systems for colorectal surgeries 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship structure allows fellows to gain proficiency in advanced surgical techniques inherent to colorectal surgery. Fellows participate in weekly multidisciplinary conferences that review all colorectal cancer cases, manage complex inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients collaboratively with gastrointestinal specialists, and gain experience in on-call surgical general rounds. This exposure ensures comprehensive clinical training and fosters collaborative learning among various specialties 1.

The advanced surgical training spans a variety of techniques, including but not limited to advanced robotic surgery, sphincter-sparing procedures, and reoperative techniques. Fellows are expected to gain significant expertise in all aspects of colorectal surgery, including emergency surgical cases within a high-volume emergency department setting 1.

Research Opportunities

The program provides an enriching research environment where fellows are encouraged to engage in scientific inquiries related to colorectal surgery. The faculty's commitment to mentorship facilitates a supportive atmosphere where fellows can develop their research skills, leading to presentations and publications at national conferences 1.

Visa Support

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama Hospital sponsors relevant visa types for international candidates, ensuring a supportive application process for qualified non-U.S. medical graduates. Eligible candidates can receive sponsorship for visas, allowing them to participate in this rigorous training program 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates are evaluated based on various criteria including clinical experience and academic performance. Applicants should ensure they meet the specific application requirements regarding year of graduation and allowable attempts on board exams to enhance their candidacy 1.

Fellow Testimonials

The fellowship has a strong history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to prominent positions within the surgical community. Alumni of the program have consistently praised the extensive clinical exposure and mentorship received during their training, accentuating the program’s commitment to excellence 1.