University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga is a distinguished two-year program designed for medical professionals seeking advanced training in vascular surgery. This program focuses on the surgical specialty involving diseases pertaining to the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems, excluding those vessels intrinsic to the heart and intracranial structures. Fellows in this program not only enhance their medical knowledge but also develop necessary technical skills and surgical judgment required in the field of vascular medicine.

The program is inclusive of two fellowship years, with one fellow per year, who are placed primarily at the Erlanger Baroness Hospital, the flagship institution of the Erlanger Health System and the principal partner of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga. Other training sites integral to the fellowship experience include Memorial and Parkridge Hospitals, as well as the University Surgical Associates Surgical Subspecialties Building (SSB), a facility dedicated to office-based surgical practice operated by the faculty of the university.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously structured to encompass a wide range of surgical competencies. The education is underpinned by goals that align with competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). These competencies cover areas such as patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, and systems-based practices.

A variety of conferences and scheduled teaching rounds complement the clinical experience, including:

• Basic Science Conferences on Tuesday mornings
• Grand Rounds on Wednesday mornings
• Morbidity and Mortality Conferences on Thursdays
• Vascular Case Conferences on Friday mornings

Additionally, vascular surgery teaching rounds are carried out by senior vascular residents, promoting the development of bedside teaching skills and arteriogram presentations.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes an environment conducive to research, with fellows encouraged to engage in scholarly activities. A variety of journals pertinent to vascular surgery, such as the Journal of Vascular Surgery and the Annals of Surgery, are available for fellows to facilitate their academic pursuits and contribute to ongoing medical literature.

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective applicants are expected to possess a completed five-year Surgery Residency before entering the fellowship. The application must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS), and candidates will participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for selection. It is essential for applicants to be graduates from LCME or AOA accredited schools or from recognized international medical schools outlined by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. This criteria ensures the eligibility for obtaining a medical license in Tennessee upon successful completion of the residency.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program offers visa support for eligible international medical graduates. It primarily sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types to accommodate foreign applicants seeking advanced training in vascular surgery.

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship is characterized by its competitive nature. It aims to recruit highly qualified applicants committed to pursuing a career in vascular surgery. The program welcomes graduates from both MD and DO paths, as well as international medical graduates, making it relatively friendly to diverse backgrounds.

Training Sites

As earlier mentioned, the primary training site is the Erlanger Baroness Hospital, which offers a rich learning environment and a varied case load. Additional training sites such as Memorial and Parkridge Hospitals, along with the SSB, further diversify the clinical exposure, allowing fellows to work in both hospital settings and outpatient surgical facilities.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows are compensated at PGY-6 and PGY-7 levels, receiving standard residency benefits conferred by the University of Tennessee. This compensation structure is aligned with the level of training and experience.

Program Leadership

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship is spearheaded by a dedicated team of faculty, including program directors and associate directors who bring extensive experience and commitment to educating the next generation of vascular surgeons.