Westchester Medical Center Program

Overview of the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center is designed to offer advanced training to general surgeons aiming to specialize in vascular surgery. This two-year, ACGME-accredited program prepares fellows to manage a diverse array of vascular pathologies through rigorous clinical experience and educational activities, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity within the field.

Westchester Medical Center serves as a central hub for vascular surgical services in the Hudson Valley, comprising a 652-bed flagship hospital and a supportive community hospital, allowing for comprehensive exposure to various surgical cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship’s curriculum comprises a structured program that includes rotations through clinical, surgical, and elective experiences. Fellows will engage actively in:

• Surgical procedures ranging from open surgical techniques to minimally invasive endovascular repairs.
• Multidisciplinary team discussions to enhance decision-making in patient care.
• Research opportunities that encourage academic contributions to the field of vascular surgery.

Training Sites

The primary training site is the Westchester Medical Center’s Valhalla campus, acknowledged for its Level 1 Trauma Center and advanced surgical services. Additionally, fellows may participate in rotations at the Mid-Hudson campus to attain a broader understanding of community hospital practices. This environment enriches clinical skills before entering independent practice.

Research Opportunities

Research is a central component of the fellowship, giving fellows opportunities to engage in ongoing vascular surgery studies. Fellows are encouraged to partake in presenting findings at regional and national conferences, thus preparing them for a significant role in academic medicine.

Program Highlights

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship is marked by:

• A strong focus on developing leadership and professional skills through participation in multidisciplinary teams.
• Access to advanced technologies and innovative procedures, positioning fellows at the forefront of vascular care.
• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, selected through an unbiased recruitment process.

Application Process

Applicants must have completed a general surgery residency program. To apply, candidates should submit a full application through ERAS, which includes:

• A personal statement
• A medical school transcript
• Four letters of recommendation
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) - Dean's Letter
• ECFMG certification (for international medical graduates, if applicable)

Visa Support

The program is open to applicants who require visa sponsorship. Typically, the program is able to sponsor J-1 visas for international fellows pursuing their training in the United States.

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship is considered highly competitive. Candidates are evaluated not only on academic performance but also on personal qualities including motivation, maturity, and how well they can work in a team environment. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and graduates from Osteopathic Medical schools are encouraged to apply.

Special Application Requirements

Certain special application requirements exist, which may include:

• Graduation from medical school within a specific timeframe.
• A limit on the number of failed USMLE STEP exams.
• A focus on previous surgical experience, particularly in vascular surgery settings.

Current Fellows and Faculty

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program hosts a diverse group of fellows who benefit from extensive mentorship. The faculty consists of well-respected professional surgeons in the vascular field who prioritize teaching and resident education. An example of current fellows includes:

• Min Li Xu, MD: Trained at Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, currently honing skills at the Westchester Medical Center.
• Noah Kinstlinger, MD: An alumnus of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, engaged in advanced vascular surgery training.

Conclusion

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center provides general surgeons with comprehensive training aimed at developing proficiency in managing vascular disease. This structured fellowship emphasizes surgical experience, research, and the cultivation of well-rounded specialists prepared to address both the clinical and educational demands within the field.