University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System offers an accredited Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program that emphasizes comprehensive training in various surgical techniques within a highly dynamic academic environment. This fellowship prepares surgical specialists with the requisite knowledge, skills, and clinical experience required to become proficient in managing a broad spectrum of thoracic surgical conditions.

Application Information

The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program, filling all categorical positions exclusively through that system. Out-of-match positions are not offered. Applications can be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application System. The application deadline spans from December to February with interviews conducted between February and April 1.

Call Schedule

The call schedule is structured such that fellows rotate on the cardiac surgery service at UHealth Tower, with call duty assigned every Friday night 1.

Clinical Training Locations

Fellows benefit from training at three premier institutions:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• UHealth Tower
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Each institution caters to a different patient population and provides unique educational opportunities 1.

Program Requirements

Applicants must pass Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination prior to acceptance. A prerequisite of postgraduate training in a relevant residency program is required, specifically in cardiac surgery, surgery, thoracic surgery, or vascular surgery 1.

Visa Support

The program sponsors the J1-Visa for international medical graduates not holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. This visa is facilitated through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, ensuring that international applicants can secure their positions effectively while fulfilling immigration criteria. Relevant contact information is available through the hospital services supervisor at Jackson Health System for inquiries regarding the visa process 1.

Educational Mission and Structure

The educational mission is centered on providing extensive clinical experience, developing clinical judgment, factual knowledge, and technical skills through progressive responsibility for diverse thoracic surgery and cardiovascular disorders. This aims to foster both critical and independent thinking 1.

Fellowship Overview and Curriculum

The fellowship spans two years where fellows rotate through crucial areas:

• Thoracic Surgery Rotation
• Congenital Cardiac Surgery Rotation
• Adult Cardiac and Transplant Rotation

During the Thoracic Surgery Rotation, fellows will complete competencies in managing common pathologies such as lung cancer, pulmonary nodules, pleural effusions, and pneumothorax by the end of their first year. The second year builds on this foundation by advancing the scope of practice and complexity of cases managed 1.

Additionally, the program emphasizes research, encouraging fellows to produce at least one peer-reviewed publication per year along with a quality improvement project throughout the training period 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program boasts internationally recognized faculty, many of whom are pioneers in the field, offering mentorship and a diverse training environment. This includes a minimally invasive surgical training center, ensuring fellows have access to innovative surgical training methods and resources 1.

Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, with preference given to candidates who demonstrate outstanding clinical aptitude and advocacy for surgical education. The fellowship is considered friendly to both DO graduates and International Medical Graduates, increasing the potential candidate pool 1.

Alumni Network

Notable alumni have successfully moved on to prestigious positions within various fields of thoracic surgery, showcasing the program’s capacity to produce skilled and knowledgeable surgical leaders 1.