University of Kentucky College of Medicine Program

Lexington, KY
UniversityJ1Fellowship
Specialty:Colon and rectal surgery
ACGME Code:0602000049
NRMP Code:-
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

Program Overview

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACGME and began training its first fellow in 2020. This fellowship program supports a mature division of colon and rectal surgery, led by a diverse group of experienced board-certified or board-eligible surgeons with expertise from nationally recognized fellowship programs. The program is designed to facilitate dedicated training for one fellow per year, providing an intimate educational environment that fosters strong relationships with faculty and clinical partners within the division. The UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital serves as a tertiary care center affiliated with an NCI-designated cancer center, which offers the fellow access to multidisciplinary teams, enhancing learning opportunities in gastroenterology, pathology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, enterostomal therapy, and surgical oncology.

1

Training Structure

The fellowship features a clinical rotation structure occurring in two-month blocks at Chandler Hospital. Each rotation provides direct experience with specific colon and rectal faculty, and the fellow will rotate among various faculty groups annually to ensure comprehensive exposure without overlapping with the general surgery senior resident. Operative and inpatient experiences are extensive, showcasing the full spectrum of colorectal practice, including basic anal rectal procedures to complex oncological resections, all conducted within a high-volume tertiary care facility.

1

Research Experience

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship program, with the Surgical Research Core Group providing resources to support research efforts. This includes participation in ongoing colorectal projects, as well as the encouragement for the fellow to initiate independent research projects. The fellow will also be expected to submit abstracts for major surgical meetings, such as the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress and the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, as well as prepare manuscripts for publication, which is necessary for program completion.

1

Application Process

Prospective fellows must meet specific application requirements for admission to the program. Additionally, the fellowship seeks candidates who demonstrate strong clinical acumen, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to advancing the field of colon and rectal surgery. Detailed application processes typically inquire about previous surgical training and relevant experiences, and candidates must be able to articulate their motivations for pursuing this fellowship specifically at the University of Kentucky.

1

Visa Sponsorship

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship program is supportive of international applicants and can sponsor visas for qualified candidates. The types of visas sponsored may include J-1 visas for exchange visitors, which are commonly sought by fellows. It is advisable for prospective international applicants to inquire directly about specific visa processes and requirements as they prepare their applications.

1

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is known to be competitive, seeking high-caliber candidates from both U.S. and international medical schools. While the fellowship welcomes applications from DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG (International Medical Graduates) applicants, it is essential for candidates to demonstrate exemplary prior training and a solid understanding of surgical principles. This supportive environment encourages diversity among fellows, fostering a rich and collaborative atmosphere that reflects a wide range of perspectives in colon and rectal surgery.

1

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program offers unique attributes that enhance the educational experience for fellows. This includes active participation in multidisciplinary case discussions and tumor boards, which not only sharpen clinical skills but also foster a holistic understanding of patient care within a collaborative framework. Furthermore, the program emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, equipping fellows with cutting-edge skills in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and a rich experience in dealing with complex colorectal conditions.

1

Rotations and Didactics

Fellows engage in structured didactic learning with weekly conferences that include a variety of educational activities ranging from case presentations to journal clubs. They examine pertinent literature from leading surgical journals, which heightens their analytical skills and enhances clinical decision-making. The fellowship also fosters an environment of inquiry-led education through specific calls for fellows to lead discussions and engage with the faculty in deeper scholarly pursuits.

1

Web sources

1. Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Overview2. About UK College of Medicine Surgery3. Other Surgery Fellowships4. Surgery Programs Structure5. Surgery Events and Recognitions6. Cardiothoracic Surgery Overview7. Surgical Education and Training8. Advanced Training and Simulation9. Faculty Information10. 2019 Annual Report11. Education in Colorectal Surgery

SmartPick

Program data

ACGME History

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation3
Full accreditation0
Continued5
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

1 (1 years)

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 16, 2026)

Composition

MD · 99%
DO · 1%
Non-U.S. IMG · 1%

Training

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:5X

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: --

First Year Paid Vacation: --

First Year Salary: $76,735

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 62 hours

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 229–264

Visa Sponsorship:J1

YOG Cutoff:3

Race / Ethnicity

No race data available.

Gender

No gender data available.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Roster

Location

Lexington, KY

Population
322,570
Median income
$66,392Above
Education
49.8%Above
Employment
65.5%Below
Health
6.6%On par
Age
35On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences

Rate per 100,000 residents

Pros

  • Affordable cost of living
  • rich cultural heritage
  • and proximity to major cities.

Cons

  • Weather can be hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter for those not accustomed to it.

FAQ

Ready to Find Your Ideal Residency Program?

Get a personalized, data-driven program list built around your scores, experiences, and visa needs.

Get matched with SmartPick

Nearby programs

Colon and rectal surgery Programs Near Lexington, KY

Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center ProgramCleveland, OHColon and rectal surgeryNorthside Hospital ProgramAtlanta, GAColon and rectal surgeryUniversity of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga ProgramChattanooga, TNColon and rectal surgeryUniversity of Louisville School of Medicine ProgramLouisville, KYColon and rectal surgeryIndiana University School of Medicine ProgramMooresville, INColon and rectal surgeryCleveland Clinic Foundation ProgramCleveland, OHColon and rectal surgeryOhioHealth/Grant Medical Center ProgramColumbus, OHColon and rectal surgeryUniversity of Chicago ProgramChicago, ILColon and rectal surgeryOhio State University Hospital ProgramColumbus, OHColon and rectal surgeryTrinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital ProgramAnn Arbor, MIColon and rectal surgeryEmory University School of Medicine ProgramAtlanta, GAColon and rectal surgeryHenry Ford Health/Henry Ford Hospital ProgramDetroit, MIColon and rectal surgerySouthern Illinois University ProgramSpringfield, ILColon and rectal surgeryPrisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Greenville (Greenville) ProgramGreenville, SCColon and rectal surgeryHenry Ford Providence Hospital ProgramSouthfield, MIColon and rectal surgeryVanderbilt University Medical Center ProgramNashville, TNColon and rectal surgery

Other specialties near Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYAdult cardiothoracic anesthesiologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYMaternal-fetal medicineUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYGastroenterologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYCritical care medicine (Internal medicine)University of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYRheumatologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYNeuropathologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYGynecologic oncologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYVascular surgery - independentUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYInterventional radiology - independentUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYTransplant hepatologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYMusculoskeletal radiologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYNeuroradiologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYThoracic surgery - independentUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYCritical care medicine (Anesthesiology)University of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYHematology and medical oncologyUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine ProgramLexington, KYPediatric anesthesiology

Write or evaluate your personal statement

Go to Personal Statement

External Links

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/0602000049

2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US2146027

5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr

See something inaccurate or missing? If you represent this program, request portal access to update it directly.