Saint John’s launches fellowship to guide the next generation of breast surgical oncologists
One-year program offers multi-disciplinary experience in breast cancer risk assessment, screening, treatments and research
SANTA MONICA, CA – The Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is expanding its clinical opportunities for post-residency graduates through its inaugural Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship program.
The multidisciplinary program will provide one graduate each year with real-world training and experience in breast cancer risk assessment, breast cancer screening, diagnostic workup, cancer treatments and survivorship strategies. At the end of the program, each fellow will be a competent breast surgeon with specialized knowledge in the field of breast cancer care and benign breast disease.
“At Saint John’s Cancer Institute, we believe that providing the highest level of care to patients includes teaching the next generation of physicians all the novel surgical approaches and innovative treatments available here at the Margie Petersen Breast Center,” said Dr. Janie Grumley, director of the comprehensive breast program at the Margie Petersen Breast Center and associate professor of surgical oncology at Saint John’s Cancer Institute. “We are excited to work closely with our fellows to provide them with diverse and comprehensive experience to all aspects of breast cancer care so they can become future clinical and research leaders in breast cancer.”
A unique aspect of the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship is its hands-on exposure to oncoplastic breast conserving techniques, emerging cancer research and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), a form of radiation that is administered during surgery. During the fellowship, individuals will dedicate five months working alongside oncoplastic trained surgical breast oncologists and complex general surgical oncologists to refine their clinical and surgical skills.
They also will complete core rotations in breast medical oncology, breast pathology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery and breast imaging. Additional rotations in genetics, pycho-oncology, research and physical therapy will complete their training.
“The proximity of our breast center to the breast imaging and radiation oncology departments gives fellows a chance to have an intimate understanding of all aspects of preoperative, perioperative and postoperative care of breast patients and highlights the importance of collaborative care,” said Dr. Crystal Fancher, breast surgical oncologist at the Margie Petersen Breast Center and assistant professor of surgical oncology at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute. “The multidisciplinary knowledge will be invaluable for fellows as they begin their careers.”
In addition to the hands-on experience with patients, fellows will take part in ongoing research at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute as they participate in clinical trials, meet regularly with Cancer Institute faculty to pursue their individual research interests. A dedicated comprehensive breast educational series will complete their education.
Candidates interested in the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship are encouraged to visit the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Fellowship website for more details, including fellowship curriculum and training requirements. Applications are now open for Fellowship Match for 2022 through 2023 academic year positions.
To learn more about the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship visit, www.saintjohnscancer.org/fellowship/breast-surgical-oncology-fellowship.