About the Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Rochester is based upon a tripartite foundation of clinical practice, a thorough and interactive curriculum, and the opportunity for meaningful research.  We accept one fellow per year who is mentored by many surgical faculty, all of whom are experts in one or more of the surgical disciplines.

Multidisciplinary care:  we comprise the surgical arm of University of Rochester multidisciplinary care centers in heart, vascular, cancer, transplantation, and digestive health care.  These relationships promote greater collaboration among specialists across disciplines and departments in treating each patient in a holistic and streamlined fashion

Emphasis on teaching:  we offer residencies in nearly every specialty, and our general surgery residency is extremely competitive.  The participation of students, fellows, and residents provides additional expert perspectives that enhance patient care.  The Department hosts numerous educational symposia, conferences, and seminars, which are coordinated through the Office of Surgical Education.

Outcomes evaluation:  The University of Rochester’s Surgical Health Outcomes & Research Enterprise (SHORE) program analyzes long-term outcomes in patients to identify ways to improve the quality, safety, and results of surgical care. The Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Cancer Control and Survivorship Programs led by Gary R. Morrow, Ph.D., M.S., offers world-class opportunities for scholarly pursuits to investigate cancer-related side effects.

Center for Experiential Learning (CEL):  As a leader in medical simulation, the University of Rochester has developed innovative uses of simulation for the education of residents.  The simulation program uses a combination of wet lab, dry lab, and simulation to educate residents and medical students.  We are a teaching hub for the Advanced Trauma Life Support course and Advanced Cardiac Life Support course, and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES).

The URMS Department of Surgery is deeply committed to the well-being of its residents and faculty and has developed “Better Health, Better You” to offer the opportunity to establish a network of collaborators, mentors, and community to promote self-care.

For more about the program history please read Through These Portals.

Program Mission

We accept one fellow per year. The mission of this fellowship program is to prepare the resident to function as a qualified practitioner of colon and rectal surgery at the high level of performance expected of a board-certified specialist demonstrating competence in surgical skill, cognitive decision making and clinical management of the preoperative, operative, and postoperative patient with surgical disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. This level of performance is achieved by acquiring competence in the following 6 areas as defined by the ACGME: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice.

Credentialing

This is an ACGME-accredited fellowship program.

Program Dates

Length of Study: 12 Months
Annual Dates: August 1- July 31

Benefits

Fellows are eligible for benefits through the University of Rochester Medical Center. This includes employer supported health and dental insurance, long-term disability, pension plan, life insurance and paid time off. This benefit list is not all-inclusive, and applicants are directed to the Graduate Medical Education Office for a complete description of benefits.