The fellowship program is designed to provide a well-rounded clinical training in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery utilizing advanced laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and flexible endoscopic techniques. The fellow gains a wealth of experience in the comprehensive evaluation and minimally invasive surgical management of morbid obesity, hernia, and benign diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. A comprehensive curriculum guides and focuses the academic program. One fellow is accepted each academic year.
The mission of the fellowship program is to train future leaders in academic or community surgical practice with a renewing commitment to education and innovation in surgical clinical care. In keeping with this mission, ample opportunity is provided for the fellow to engage in academic pursuits, including dedicated time to research. Fellows are encouraged to submit at least two abstracts to national meetings during the fellowship year. Faculty provide mentorship, but an expectation is that at least one research project is fellow self-directed. As an instructor in the Department of Surgery, the fellow will be expected to model excellence in professionalism and to teach general surgery residents and students. To facilitate transition to independent practice, the fellow will be assigned acute care surgery call on an infrequent basis, with backup by fellowship faculty.
John Lewandowski, MD
College/University: Miami University
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Residency: Rush University
“The fellow is able to operate at the academic medical center as well as multiple community sites, including Rush Oak Park and Rush Copley. There is opportunity for teaching residents, both in and out of the operating room, both for general surgery call cases and bariatrics. A monthly curriculum covers all aspects of bariatric surgery, as well as foregut and complex laparoscopic subjects. The weekly schedule consists of 2-4 days/week in the OR and 2-3 days/week in clinic, depending on the week. There is time available for research and other academic endeavors.”
Program Director, Division Chief, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery
Helen Shedd Keith Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, Professor
Vice Chair, Clinical Operations, Department of Surgery, Professor
Assistant Professor, Division of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery
Co-Director, Surgical Clerkship Program, Assistant Professor
Department of Surgery, Assistant Professor