University of South Florida Morsani Program

Program Overview

The University of South Florida Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship is a one-year clinical training program designed for advanced training in the comprehensive management of diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. This ACGME-accredited program enrolls two fellows each academic year, providing them with an opportunity to learn under the guidance of five board-certified colorectal surgeons dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, and research.

Clinical Rotations

The primary clinical site for the fellowship is Tampa General Hospital, a 1,006-bed teaching hospital affiliated with the USF Morsani College of Medicine. The Colorectal Surgery Service team at Tampa General includes attending surgeons, the two colorectal surgery fellows, a PGY-5 general surgery resident, a PGY-1 general surgery resident, a medical student, and a physician assistant. This structure enables the fellows to engage in both inpatient and outpatient care while honing their diagnostic, therapeutic, endoscopic, and surgical skills. They manage the service at a level between attending surgeons and general surgery residents, benefiting from a high clinical volume designed to deepen their educational experience without detracting from the education of general surgery residents.

Additionally, fellows will also rotate part-time at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, which has 415 beds and is connected to the university. This rotation focuses on enhancing the fellow's operative and endoscopic training, with support from general surgery residents across various training levels.

Conferences and Didactic Training

The program allocates protected educational time every Monday morning, allowing fellows to attend vital conferences, such as the USF general surgery Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conference and grand rounds. The curriculum for the colorectal fellows is distinct from general surgery residency education, catering specifically to their advanced training needs. This includes lectures aligned with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) guidelines, along with tailored discussions for written and oral board preparations, journal clubs, and research activities. Fellows participate in mock oral boards several times per year, enhancing their readiness for board examinations.

Fellows are also involved in multidisciplinary conferences, including Tumor Board and Inflammatory Bowel Disease discussions.

Clinical Research Opportunities

Participation in clinical research is a crucial component of the fellowship, with each fellow expected to contribute to at least one research project during the training year. This includes submitting an abstract for a national meeting and preparing a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The program provides robust support and education in research throughout the year to help fellows meet these expectations.

Application Process and Requirements

Fellows are selected through the National Residency Match Program, with specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must have completed or be on track to complete a general surgery residency program and must be eligible to take the American Board of Surgery examinations. Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service. Additional special application requirements may apply, including year of graduation and assessment of STEP exam performance.

Visa Support

The program supports various visa types for international applicants, including J-1 and H-1B visas, offering assistance to candidates to ensure compliance with immigration regulations while they pursue their training.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, generally attracting strong candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. Its focus on providing extensive clinical exposure, didactic training, and research opportunities adds to its appeal.