Laparoscopic Fellowships

[ollaguna]

It seems as if there's alot of variablity amongst the training gained in different lap fellowships. Any word on which are known to be strong programs? Which offer the broadest exposure and variety of cases? I'm assuming since they're not accredited they don't all need to meet the same minimum requirements.

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[LapSurgeon]

Exactly, there is quite a bit of variability among the MIS fellowship programs. The great majority of programs that you'll find on the MIS fellowship council website are relatively new and have been in existence for less than 3 years. As a result, it's difficult to get a good feel from these programs, even after interviewing. Most programs provide a fair amount of bariatric experience, but the amount of foregut, hernia, colorectal, HPB, etc. can vary. Other variables include actual operative experience, call schedule (practice and ER), resident involvement (usually better without residents), salary, and academics. It's also important to seek out a fellowship director who will really go to bat for you in finding a job afterwards.

 

[ollaguna]

So how competitive are these programs? Are there any that stand out as places which have the greatest variety of cases? Greatest load? etc...

 

[LapSurgeon]

Compared to other specialties, not very competitive. Even though a few people didn't match this year, there were a handful of openings after the match. As usual, if you have connections through surgeons in your residency, it's easier to find a decent fellowship. It's hard to say which are 'good' programs without actually speaking to past or present fellows. I think the better programs have been around for more than two or three years and have fellowship directors who are actively involved in SAGES, ACS, SSAT, etc. Quite a few directors have moved around recently, which makes it harder to evaluate programs.

 

[njbmd]

It seems as if there's alot of variablity amongst the training gained in different lap fellowships. Any word on which are known to be strong programs? Which offer the broadest exposure and variety of cases? I'm assuming since they're not accredited they don't all need to meet the same minimum requirements.

Hi there,
One of the best laparoscopic fellowships in the country is University of Virginia under Bruce D. Schirmer, MD. He is the past president of SAGES and one of the best teachers on the planet. His fellows are highly sought after post fellowship and Charlottesville is a great place to live and work.

Good luck!
njbmd