University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga Program

The Colon and Rectal Fellowship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga is a one-year ACGME-accredited program aimed at equipping graduates with advanced competencies in the management of disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. This fellowship is the first of its kind within the UT system, providing comprehensive clinical and research training primarily at Erlanger Medical Center, a major teaching hospital.

The primary goal of the program is to transform competent general surgeons into experts in colorectal surgery through a detailed curriculum that covers diagnostic techniques and management strategies for common and complex conditions affecting the colon and rectum.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship consists of a well-balanced experience, incorporating clinical practice and didactic education. Fellows will engage in a diverse set of rotations across three hospitals located within a three-mile radius in downtown Chattanooga: Erlanger Health System, Memorial Health Care System, and Parkridge Medical Center. This geographic proximity allows for seamless integration of surgical learning and patient care.

Fellows will gain hands-on experience in various surgical procedures, including anorectal surgery and minimally invasive techniques, and participate in a pelvic floor center. A surgical skills/simulation lab is available to enhance operative training further, ensuring consistency in the development of essential competencies.

In addition to clinical training, the fellowship includes regular conferences, comprising weekly multidisciplinary tumor board meetings, grand rounds, colorectal conferences, journal club discussions, and morbidity and mortality reviews. These conferences not only facilitate learning but also foster an environment that promotes critical thinking and collaboration among surgical teams.

Research Opportunities

While a dedicated research year is not mandated, fellows are nevertheless expected to engage in clinical research projects suitable for presentation at regional or national conferences. The program acknowledges the importance of research in augmentation of surgical practice and provides internal funding for original work. Each fellow is encouraged to pursue projects with the aim of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To apply for the Colon and Rectal Fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME or RCPSC-approved five-year general surgery residency program and be board eligible. A current Tennessee medical license is not required during fellowship training; however, to qualify for certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, candidates must hold a valid unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada.

The program does not stipulate specific year of graduation or maximum failed USMLE exams, making it relatively competitive yet accommodating for both Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMG).

Visa Support

The Colon and Rectal Fellowship program extends visa support for international applicants, particularly for the J-1 visa and H-1B visa types. This facilitates the entry of qualified medical professionals into the United States healthcare system, broadening the diversity and expertise within the program.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship emphasizes a personal approach to education, prioritizing one-on-one mentorship with faculty members, who are board-certified colorectal surgeons with substantial experience in surgical education and research. This personalized instruction occurs in both outpatient and clinical settings that foster not only technical skills but also develop the fellow's interpersonal communication and professionalism.

The program has a longstanding history of excellence in surgical training and continues to contribute to advancing the field of colorectal surgery. Residing in Chattanooga, fellows benefit from a vibrant community with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a supportive healthcare network.

Overall, the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga offers a robust platform for training in Colon and Rectal Surgery, marked by a comprehensive clinical curriculum, supportive educational environment, and ample research opportunities.