Duration

The Cleveland Clinic post graduate Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction fellowship is a one-year program with a concentration on advanced reconstructive plastic surgery using microsurgical and supermicrosurgical techniques. Fellows enjoy the opportunity to combine innovative clinical activities in operative microsurgery and complex non-microsurgical reconstruction with protected time for clinical research and access to laboratory research.

Prerequisite training/selection criteria

Applicants will have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program in the US or Canada prior to the July 1 fellowship start date and should be eligible for licensure in Ohio. Outstanding international applicants with current USMLE and ECFMG certification are also welcomed. Strong consideration will be given to those applicants who qualify for Ohio state licensure.

Goals and objectives

At the completion of training, fellows will have gained extensive experience in the complete spectrum of microneurovascular reconstruction which incorporates a high-volume exposure to reconstructive breast as well as preventative and therapeutic lymphatic surgical procedures. Advanced skills in robotic flap harvest and microsurgical robotics will be acquired.

The fellow will hone their expertise in head and neck, trunk and extremity reconstruction. A breadth of complex oncologic and traumatic presentations will be encountered with additional opportunities to participate in the care of vascularized composite allotransplant patients.

Advanced clinical decision-making skills will be acquired to help surgeons guide patients through the continuum of the reconstructive process. This will include proficiencies in preoperative selection, intraoperative decision making and postoperative care. Additional knowledge will be gained regarding selection and performance of secondary stage revision and refinement procedures. An abundance of clinical research opportunities exists, and fellows will design, implement, publish, and present clinical research projects. Most fellows have participated in multiple research endeavors.

Educational program - basic curriculum

The fellow will practice at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and nearby regional hospitals and will work with all members of our, more than ten, microsurgery trained faculty. The fellowship begins with a one-week microsurgery skills course focused on gaining added proficiency. Fellows will spend time in clinic with our diverse attending staff and will have the opportunity to provide independent patient care at the junior faculty level in a supportive environment.

In addition to a busy operative schedule, one day per week of protected time will be allocated for research activities. The fellows are integrated fully into departmental education, clinical and research activities. They will participate in conferences, visiting professorships, and resident and medical student teaching.

Evaluation process

Evaluations are done quarterly, and fellows will meet with the program director to discuss these assessments and their educational experience.

To apply

Please visit SF Match to apply.

Contact information

Graham Schwarz, MD, MSE, FACS
Program Director, Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction Fellowship

Jodi Ours
Administrative Program Coordinator
Phone: 216.445.4724
Email: oursj1@ccf.org

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