Dr. Chad Michener, Assistant Fellowship Director
Dr. Peter Rose, Fellowship Director
The Gynecology Oncology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic is a three-year program that accepts it’s trainees following completion of residency from an ACGME approved program.
The primary goal of the fellowship is to provide an in-depth experience in clinical and investigative work to allow pursuit of an academic career within gynecologic oncology. Fellows obtain experience in the basic science laboratory, clinical, research as well as the clinical aspects of gynecologic oncology. The fellows have an intensive and ongoing research experience allowing them to develop quality collaborative research programs during their future careers. The fellows also have an intensive and broad based clinical experience with progressive responsibility resulting in the capability of providing independent subspecialty care within a tertiary medical center.
The major strength of this program is the strong clinical experience gained at our institution renowned for combining patient care, research and education. Currently the fellow’s initial year consists of laboratory experience in the Departments of Cancer Biology or Cancer Pharmacology. The fellows have a one-year research experience under the direction of one of the senior investigators. This experience will be without interruptions related to clinical duties and during this year, the fellows complete required graduate course work in biostatistics and molecular biology. The research experience will allow an intensive study into the scientific basis for current and future cancer care. It is anticipated that the fellows will supplement the initial research experience with additional research projects during the later two years of the fellowship.
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"Our obstetric and gynecology services were ranked number three in the country and number one in Ohio in the 2012 U.S. News & World Report physician survey. Our patients benefit from innovative, leading-edge care arising from extensive research and vast clinical experience. Our collaborative approach, fostered in interdisciplinary care centers, consistently improves clinical outcomes, increases patient satisfaction and stimulates research. Our Centers of Excellence include gynecologic oncology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, menstrual and fibroid treatment and maternal-fetal medicine."
- Tommaso Falcone, MD, Professor and Chairman,
Cleveland Clinic Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Institute.
Quality counts when referring patients to hospitals and physicians. 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.
The Gynecologic Oncology fellows benefit from a strong clinical program marked by high quality and complex patient care provided in a setting noted for collaboration and collegiality. The hallmark of Cleveland Clinic has been the excellence of its patient care that has largely developed as a result of the collegial relationship among departments and individual clinicians. The large volume of patient cases provided enables the fellows to have a broad based exposure to clinical gynecologic oncology marked by progressive responsibility in both the outpatient clinic and the hospital. In addition to clinical responsibility, it is expected that trainees will also progress in their abilities to conduct independent research, teaching of residents and medical students as well as administrative duties. The program director and other faculty will be regularly meeting with the fellows to assess their progress in these goals so that individual weaknesses can be identified, remedied and increased responsibility assumed.
During the time of your Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship your rotations will include:
- 18 months Gynecology Oncology
- 1 month Radiation Oncology
- 1 month Surgical Intensive Care Unit
- 1 month Palliative Medicine
- 2 months chemotherapy
- 12 months research
- 1 month elective time
Chemotherapy»
The gynecologic chemotherapy service is a fully integrated portion of the Gynecologic Oncology program at all sites. In addition to the gynecologic oncologists, it is staffed by expert gynecologic nurse clinicians. When possible, patients are treated on National Cooperative Group clinical trials as well as in house studies. Major decisions resulting in surgery, radiation therapy or a change in chemotherapy regimens are frequently integrated into the outpatient clinics when the fellows are participating.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Center»
In addition to an intensive exposure to conventional procedures for gynecologic malignancies, the fellows have an opportunity to participate in the development and application of endoscopic approaches to gynecologic cancers. The Minimally Invasive Surgery Center at this institution has attracted world-class individuals including Dr. Tommaso Falcone (Chairman of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Institute). The Minimally Invasive Surgery Center allows the fellows to participate in surgical innovation, research, and new technology related to gynecologic oncology, including robotic surgery, single-port laparoscopy and robotic single-port surgery. A series of strong and stimulating off-service rotations have been arranged. These experiences will offer the fellows an intensive exposure to allied disciplines with the opportunity to work with experienced clinicians on very active services
Outpatient Clinics»
All members of the team will participate in the outpatient clinics throughout both clinical years. Initial examination is performed by the fellow and then subsequently supervised by the individual faculty member who has received the referral. An effort is made to involve the fellows in new patient assessment whenever they are available. Management decisions and plans are then collectively reviewed and implemented. Other outpatient activities will be as time allows given the fellow’s responsibilities in the hospital/operating room. However, the fellows are aware that we expect outpatient clinic participation when possible as we believe it is critical to their training.
Research Expectations»
The first year of fellowship consists of a protected 12-month research experience. During this time, the fellows are without weekday clinical responsibilities, but may be required to cover night or weekend call during the year. Laboratory projects will be carried out in the Research Institute. There is a wide range of research opportunities available including focusing on molecular genetic analysis of common human malignancies, studying ovarian cancer growth factors and tumor markers (in particular the area of bioactive lysophospholipids), work on interferons, tumor suppression, innate immunity, antisense and apoptosis, molecular mechanisms of initiation and progression of carcinogenesis, and studying molecular mechanisms controlling cellular responses to extra cellular stimuli. While it is anticipated that the fellow will complete their primary project during their first year of fellowship, opportunities for continued interfacing with the research division fellows and laboratory personnel is encouraged to allow additional experience and maturation of projects. Opportunities for non-laboratory, prospective clinical research projects will also be considered individually for those fellows desiring more clinical or epidemiological research experiences. Several of our fellows have completed cancer screening projects in underserved countries over the last five years with Dr. Jerome Belinson (Consultant Staff in Gynecologic Oncology).
Through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gruber, visiting rotations of one month are offered to individuals considering a career in Gynecologic Oncology or wishing to expand their clinical experience. Selected residents, from ACGME approved residencies, will work with the Gynecologic Oncology team to care for patients with complex and diverse gynecologic cancers. Participation will involve hospital/OR responsibilities and outpatient and chemotherapy clinic participation. Regular conference and didactic presentations are offered.
Participants can expect enhanced surgical experience and an improved understanding and exposure to the discipline of Gynecologic Oncology.
Residents in ACGME approved programs entering their PGY3 year are invited to apply. Visiting residents will have access to all facilities and support in the Cleveland Clinic Division of Education. Round-trip transportation expenses, a furnished apartment close to Cleveland Clinic and a monthly stipend will be provided. Malpractice insurance must be provided by the home institution.
How to Apply
Gruber Visiting Fellowship
Physician who are eligible to apply will be completing a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in the United States or a five-year residency program in Canada accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The application deadline is May 1 of the preceding academic year.
Applicants also must be eligible to take the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) written examination.
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- Submit application along with all required documents to Danielle Berry, Education Coordinator.
Additional Information
To request more information, contact:
Danielle Berry, Education Coordinator
Department of OB/GYN, A81
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.445.2358
Email: berryd2@ccf.org