Fellowship in Breast Surgery
Introduction
The fellowship in Breast Surgery at Cleveland Clinic is an approved SSO Breast Training Program. We are a one-year program that accepts its trainees following completion of a general surgery residency. The applicant must be board eligible or board certified in surgery as determined by the American Board of Surgery. The Breast Center provides an ideal environment for advanced training breast disease. There are approximately 10,000 annual visits to the surgeons in the Cleveland Clinic Breast Center.
Clinical responsibilities will include evaluation of outpatients with new breast problems as well as follow-up of former patients who require surveillance for either benign conditions or breast cancer. In the course of managing patients, the fellow will work closely with breast imaging radiologists, radiation and medical oncologists, breast pathologists, and plastic surgeons. The fellow will present cases at weekly multidisciplinary conferences. It is expected that the fellow will complete a clinical research project during the fellowship year. Applications are accepted in the fall each year for the following July.
Outcomes
In a 2008 survey, the Cleveland Clinic ranked as the nations 4th best hospital overall in U.S.News & World Report “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Annual activity of the Breast Center includes: 12,500 outpatient visits; 3,600 Diagnostic biopsies and surgical procedures; and 89,969 Total mammography procedures.
Designed for a healthcare provider audience, the Outcomes books contain a summary of our surgical and medical trends and approaches, data on patient volume and outcomes, and a review of new technologies and innovations. Review the outcomes for the Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute Breast Center. (PDF)
Overview
A series of strong and stimulating rotations are arranged. These experiences will offer the fellow an intensive exposure to allied disciplines with the opportunity to work with experienced clinicians on very active services. In addition to these standard rotations, fellows also have access to a formal reading session on a daily basis with dedicated breast pathologists, experience with our Lymphedema patients in an OT clinic held twice weekly, and an on site genetics department.
- Breast Surgery (6 months)
- Medical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiology
- Medical Breast
- Plastic Surgery/Reconstruction
- Intra-operative imaging/image guided biopsies
- Clinical Research
In addition to the weekly Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference, monthly meetings are held in our breast center, including journal club and didactic meetings
Evaluations
The fellow will be evaluated by the faculty from the Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute Breast Center. The evaluation process will be on going throughout the fellowship year with review of the fellow’s performance at 3, 6, and 9 months. A certificate of completion will be awarded from the Cleveland Clinic upon finishing the 12-month training program to the satisfaction of the members of the department.
How to Apply
Physicians who are eligible to apply will be completing a five-year residency program in general surgery and be board eligible or board certified in surgery as determined by the American Board of Surgery. Applications are submitted on line at the Society of Surgical Oncology website.
All Cleveland Clinic Breast Center faculty review each application. Based on their credentials and letters of reference, select applicants will be invited to Cleveland for a formal interview. This full-day interview includes meetings with the various Breast Center staff, a tour of the Cleveland Clinic and an opportunity to meet with current fellow(s). The final selection is made at a joint meeting of all staff members. The SSO administers the matching program selection process. Salary and benefits are competitive.
Contact Information
To request more information, contact:
Michelle Cortez
Breast Fellowship Program Coordinator
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue, MC A80
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216-636-5517
Fax: 216-445-4048
cortezm@ccf.org
