Program Overview

Program Overview

Currently few, if any, laparoscopic bariatric surgery training opportunities exist that bridge the gap between introductory training and actual clinical practice. This opportunity provides a focused and concentrated training experience under the preceptorship of Ali Aminian, MD.

Under the surgery hands-on training pathway, you will achieve baseline competency (not necessarily proficiency) in laparoscopic bariatric surgery in order to begin a safe clinical and operative practice.

This training will also give you a basic understanding of preoperative and postoperative management concepts.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Below are various options for the CAST surgery hands-on training pathway. For the preceptorship pathway, we will work closely with you to make sure all of your needs are met.

One-week freshen-up course

To attend this course, you must have completed more than 100 bariatric surgery cases.

  • Scrub in for 8–12 bariatric procedures.
  • Spend one day in clinic.
  • Manage 8–12 pre/postoperative patients.
  • Manage 8–12 inpatients.
  • Attend one hour of didactic conference.
  • Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics.

Two-week course

  • Scrub in for 15–20 bariatric procedures.
  • Spend two days in clinic.
  • Manage 15–20 pre/postoperative patients.
  • Manage 15–20 inpatients.
  • Attend four hours of didactic conference.
  • Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics.

Four-week course

  • Scrub in for 30–35 bariatric procedures.
  • Spend four days in clinic.
  • Manage 30–35 pre/postoperative patients.
  • Manage 30–35 inpatients.
  • Attend six hours of didactic conference.
  • Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics.

Six- to eight-week course

  • Scrub in for 50–55 bariatric procedures.
  • Spend six days in clinic.
  • Manage 50–55 pre/postoperative patients.
  • Manage 50–55 inpatients.
  • Attend eight to 10 hours of didactic conference.
  • Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics.

Please note: Case volume is estimated and may vary depending on scheduling and staff availability.

Eligibility

Eligibility

Applicants must: 

  • Be licensed in the state of Ohio or eligible to obtain a Special Activities Permit from the Ohio State Medical Board (Applicants for the Surgery Hands-on Training pathways only).
  • Be board-certified or board-eligible in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery. 
  • Have completed an ACGME-approved residency in General Surgery. 
  • Have experience in advanced laparoscopy including but not limited to laparoscopic fundoplication, colectomy, splenectomy and hernia repair. 
  • Have practicing privileges in their home institutions.

International applicants:

  • To participate, non-citizen physicians can participate without clinic visa sponsorship if they have unrestricted U.S. employment authorization, e.g. lawful permanent resident (green card); Temporary Protected Status; Temporary Resident Status, Refugee or Asylee status, or any other status which authorizes the non-citizen physician to work without employer sponsorship.
  • If you do have current U.S. employment authorization, as an international physician, you must also be ECFMG certified, having taken USMLE 1-3, in order to participate.
  • If you only have ECFMG, then you will need to have actively practiced medicine in the U.S. for the last two years, or have been in an ACGME training program within the last two years.
  • If you have not done either of those items, then you must complete all parts of USMLE to be eligible for Special Activities License.
  • If you meet these qualifications, then we can proceed with your application for the CAST program.
  • If not, you will be directed to the International Observership program and they will be able to explain the opportunities available to you there.
Duration and Tuition

Duration and Tuition

Trainees can schedule to attend from 1 to 8 weeks.

  • Hands-on Training: $6,000/week.
  • Preceptorship Training: $3,500/week.
  • Hybrid Training: $6,000/week.

Please note: You will have the option to split up your training weeks throughout the year, if necessary.

In the event that you need to cancel after payment has been received, application has been approved, and onboarding has begun, you will incur a cancellation fee of 30% of your tuition. The remaining balance (70%) will be reimbursed back to you.

How to Apply

How to Apply

The first step is to complete and submit the pre-application form.

Our office will contact you shortly thereafter.