The IU School of Medicine Department of Surgery’s Division of General Surgery offers a one-year Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and Bariatric Fellowship to produce leaders in the field of modern surgery. As the only allopathic academic and quaternary health care institution in the state, IU School of Medicine’s clinical partner IU Health receives referrals in excess of six million individuals. Fellows in this program work directly with IU School of Medicine faculty physicians.
Clinical Experience
The program, based out of IU Health North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana, exposes fellows to a rich blend of bariatric and advanced minimally invasive surgery through four monthly rotations. Fellows perform procedures in state-of-the-art operating rooms equipped with the latest tools and technology. On average, fellows in this program spend one day per week working in the outpatient clinic and three days per week performing surgical procedures. Minimally Invasive Surgery/ Bariatric Fellowship trainees are involved in all stages of the management of the surgical and bariatric patient, including preoperative evaluation, postoperative management and the follow-up of patients.
In addition, fellows in this program routinely participate in a surgical skills lab located on the IU School of Medicine – Indianapolis campus, to advance and perfect laparoscopic skills prior to entering the operating room. The skills lab allows for both dry and wet lab opportunities, including a GI Mentor and LapSim simulator. This, coupled with porcine and cadaveric labs, provides fellows with the opportunity to teach residents advance laparoscopic techniques.
Throughout the completion of this program, fellows in the Minimally Invasive Surgery/ Bariatric Fellowship program are mentored in the following laparoscopic procedures: diagnostic and interventional endoscopy, antireflux fundoplications, paraesophageal hernia repair, Heller myotomy, inguinal hernia repair, ventral hernia repair, colon resections, adrenalectomy, splenectomy, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy. Advanced techniques, including single-incision surgery and endoluminal procedures, foster various research initiatives. Fellows have ample opportunities to learn esophageal manometry, pH testing/impedance, and endolumenal management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Academic Instruction
Participation in educational and academic pursuits is strongly supported with adequate limitations on clinical duties to foster these activities. Fellows participate in an organ-centered didactic schedule with regular journal clubs and weekly educational meetings. These meetings are regularly attended by mentors, residents and medical students. Fellows also have an opportunity to travel and attend industry-supported educational events. With the remaining fifth day of each week, it is expected that fellows devote time to these educational opportunities and research projects that can lead to presentations at local, regional and/or national meetings. Fellows are reimbursed for travel to meetings in which they present.