Program Overview

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Introduction to the Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Surgery offers a Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship program. The program aims to train surgical oncologists with high-level technical skills and a commitment to pursuing new knowledge in the care of cancer patients.

Program Overview

The Department of Surgery's goal in pursuing a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology is to develop both skilled independent cancer practitioners and trained physician scientists. The program is designed to provide fellows with a comprehensive education in surgical oncology, including clinical and research training.

Message from the Program Director

The Division of Surgical Oncology at UTHSC has grown significantly in recent years, with an expanded faculty providing increasingly specialized care for cancer patients. Fellows will experience focused surgical patient care in various areas, including breast, melanoma, sarcoma, colorectal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and endocrine oncology.

Curriculum and Research

The training program is 2 years or 24 months, with 12-18 months of clinical rotations. The fellow will engage in various rotations, including:

• General Surgical Oncology
• Research
• Radiation Oncology
• Pathology
• Electives (e.g., Breast Surgery, Medical Oncology)

Research Requirements

Research will be an integral part of the fellowship, with clinical, translational, and basic science options available. A dedicated half-year research block will be provided in the beginning of the second year.

Training Requirements

Minimum numbers of cases are required for graduation, and a detailed case log must be maintained by each fellow physician. The American Board of Surgery requires Oncology fellows to use the ACGME electronic case log system.

Minimum Case Numbers

The following minimum case numbers are required:

• Breast: 40
• Endocrine: 15
• Gastrointestinal (not HPB): 50
• Hepatobiliary/pancreatic: 35
• Melanoma/soft tissue sarcoma: 30
• Total: 240

Moonlighting Policy

Fellows are permitted to moonlight in accordance with UTHSC GME Policy #320, assuming they are in good standing in the fellowship academically and professionally, and individually and fully licensed in the state of Tennessee.

Application Process

Positions for the Surgical Oncology fellowship are offered through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Candidates must have completed General Surgery Board Certification or be Board eligible. All applications must be submitted through ERAS.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Current Photograph
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcript
• MSPE
• USMLE or COMLEX Scores (passing scores are required for steps 1, 2, and 3)
• Three Letters of Recommendation (including the PD)

Fellowship Training Facilities

The program is affiliated with several training facilities, including:

• Regional One Health
• Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital
• Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis

Regional One Health

Regional One Health is the oldest health system in Tennessee and serves as the public safety-net hospital for the Memphis area.

Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital

Methodist Germantown is a nationally recognized, 319-bed, full-service hospital serving the residents of east Memphis and the surrounding areas.

Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis

Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis is the flagship hospital of the Baptist Memorial Health Care system, with 785 beds and a comprehensive range of medical services.