University of South Florida Morsani/Moffitt Cancer Center Program

The Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center provides extensive training in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Affiliated with the University of South Florida, the program is distinguished by its accreditation from the ACGME, which has been in place since 2012. This two-year fellowship includes 18 months of required clinical rotations, four months dedicated to research, and two months of focused experience in pathology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology, all conducted at Moffitt facilities.

The clinical training begins with a comprehensive first year that prepares fellows in breast, melanoma, sarcoma, endocrine, gastrointestinal (GI), and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) oncology. This busy clinical year enhances fellows' abilities to deliver care to cancer patients collaboratively across various specialties. The subsequent year extends clinical training while also fostering academic development through an intensive research effort.

Fellows engage with a variety of specialized procedures such as cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC), isolated limb infusion, percutaneous hepatic perfusion, T-VEC, and CAR-T therapy. The program emphasizes minimally invasive surgical techniques, complemented by a robust patient volume that enriches fellows' experiences in both palliative surgeries and managing complications from advanced medical therapies.

The curriculum is structured around distinct disease sites, notably Breast, Sarcoma, Cutaneous, and GI Oncology, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience embedded in a collaborative cancer care model. Each rotation features dedicated tumor boards involving multidisciplinary team members, facilitating in-depth discussions and decision-making concerning patient care strategies. Continuous clinical teaching is complemented by didactic sessions that focus on enhancing fellows' knowledge and skills.

The program also prioritizes regular morbidity and mortality conferences that address quality improvements and significant management decisions encountered during clinical care, alongside the Fellows Conference dedicated to academic discourse.

Research plays a vital role in the fellowship experience, with fellows expected to engage in clinical research projects during their first year and to pursue more independent projects in their second year. Mentorship is a cornerstone of the program, with regular meetings between fellows and program leadership fostering professional development and ensuring alignment with individual career goals.

Eligibility for the fellowship requires applicants to hold a Florida medical license and to be United States citizens or possess appropriate visas that enable legal residency in the U.S. for at least two years. The program maintains a competitive admission process, with five positions available annually starting August 2023. Many graduates have advanced to leadership roles within academic surgical oncology, while all alumni develop expertise in multidisciplinary patient care.

Fellows can seek an optional third year if interested in furthering research or gaining additional clinical training tailored to specific interests. The program's environment encourages a culture of inquiry and collaboration, complemented by substantial federal and corporate research grants exceeding $70 million annually, positioning it as a leader in oncology education and research.