Microsurgery Reconstruction Fellowship

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 techniques. Fellows enjoy the opportunity to combine 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 US or Canada prior to the July 1 fellowship start date and must be eligible for licensure in Ohio. Outstanding international applicants with current USMLE and ECFMG certification and who qualify for Ohio state licensure are also welcomed.

Goals and objectives

At the completion of training, fellows will have gained significant experience in the complete spectrum of microvascular reconstruction which incorporates a high volume exposure to reconstructive breast procedures. The fellow will develop expertise in soft tissue and bony reconstruction in the head and neck, trunk and extremity. A breadth of complex oncologic and traumatic presentations will be encountered. Additional training in microsurgical and supermicrosurgical treatments for lymphedema will be acquired. The fellow will have opportunity to participate in the care of vascularized composite tissue allotransplant patients.

Clinical decision making skills will be acquired to help surgeons guide patients through the continuum of the reconstructive process. This will include proficiency 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 exist and fellows will to design, implement, publish and present clinical research projects. Most fellows have participated in multiple research endeavors.

Educational program - basic curriculum

Microsurgery fellows will work primarily with Drs. Schwarz, Bernard, Djohan, Moreira, Gastman, Hendrickson, Bassiri, and Rampazzo. The fellow will spend time at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus as well as at nearby regional hospitals. Fellows will also spend time in the clinic with attending staff and will have the opportunity manage their own patients. One day per week of protected time will be allocated for research activities. The fellow will work with all members of the staff of the Department of Plastic Surgery, and will report directly to Dr. Graham Schwarz, Director of the Microsurgery Fellowship Program.

The fellowship begins with a one-week laboratory course focused on gaining proficiency operating under the microscope. Didactic and practical training is acquired under the direction of our full-time microsurgery laboratory director.

The fellows are integrated fully into departmental education, clinical and research activities. They will participate in conferences, visiting professorships as well as in resident and medical student teaching.

Evaluation process

Evaluations are done on a quarterly basis 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
Program Director, Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction Fellowship

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