University of Kansas School of Medicine Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine offers a comprehensive two-year training experience in vascular surgery and is designed to equip fellows with the advanced clinical, technical, research, and administrative skills required for a successful career in the field. The program, which is ACGME accredited, accepts one fellow annually, creating an intimate learning environment.

Training Facilities and Sites

The program is primarily based at The University of Kansas Health System, a prestigious quaternary referral center recognized as the busiest Level 1 trauma center in Kansas City. This setting allows fellows to engage in high volumes of diverse surgical cases, thereby gaining extensive hands-on experience.

Curriculum Overview

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship consists of rotating clinical experiences structured over two years. The first year focuses on foundational skills in open and endovascular techniques, supplemented by time spent in an IAC-certified vascular laboratory. Special emphasis is placed on mastering diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In the second year, fellows will take on more complex surgical cases and assume greater responsibilities in patient management. This structure is designed to progressively enhance the fellow's surgical autonomy and clinical decision-making abilities.

Fellows will be involved in managing patients with a variety of vascular conditions including arterial occlusive disease, venous disease, and aortic pathologies, ensuring a well-rounded experience across different aspects of vascular surgery.

Critical Training and Rotations

During the fellowship, fellows will alternate between core rotations at The University of Kansas Hospital and community hospitals such as Advent Health Shawnee Mission and KU Medical Center South. Each of these rotations lasts two months. The first year, fellows will perform endovascular interventions and oversee inpatient care for all vascular patients, while also participating in outpatient clinic evaluations, emphasizing a full spectrum of vascular conditions.

The second year will delve deeper into advanced interventions, developing competency in complex scenarios such as renal and visceral angioplasty, stenting, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. This progressive training paradigm equips fellows not only with technical skills but also cultivates a leadership role among the surgical team.

Educational Conferences

The fellow's educational experience is supplemented by a range of conferences designed to foster ongoing learning and collaboration. Weekly conferences include core curriculum lectures, morbidity and mortality discussions, a vascular journal club, and grand rounds featuring esteemed guest speakers. This robust academic environment encourages fellows to critically engage with current literature and improve patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship provides comprehensive support for fellows pursuing research through dedicated resources, including a research program manager, access to clinical data, and statistical assistance. Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical research, case reports, and manuscript preparation, facilitating the development of foundational skills for those considering an academic career.

Application Requirements

Successful applicants will have completed an accredited general surgery residency and will be eligible to sit for the American Board of Surgery (ABS) general surgery boards during fellowship. The program also has specific eligibility requirements regarding educational credentials, requiring graduation from an accredited medical school or valid ECFMG certification for international medical graduates.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is committed to supporting international applicants and can sponsor J-1 visas, making it suitable for foreign medical graduates wishing to undertake fellowship training in the United States.

Competitiveness

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting a range of applicants from diverse educational backgrounds including MD and DO graduates. The emphasis on surgical training combined with research opportunities provides an attractive prospect for incoming fellows.

The fellowship is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applicants from varied backgrounds to apply, thereby enhancing the breadth of perspectives and experiences within the program.