Colorectal Surgery Research Fellowship

Overview

The Colorectal Surgery Research Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital is a one-year program that aims to educate and inspire the next generation of surgeon-scientists interested in becoming skilled in surgically treating diseases of the colon and rectum as well as study design and research methods.

By the end of the fellowship, trainees who participated in the Colorectal Surgery Research Fellowship will understand how to expertly design clinical studies and grasp the ethical implications of research. They will obtain experience and exposure to a variety of research methods including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research. As a result of their personal mentored project, they will learn the importance of project management and communicating their research findings through presentations and publications.

Approach to Training

Trainees in the Mass General Colorectal Surgery Research Fellowship will participate in group research meetings and discuss their works in progress one-on-one with a faculty mentor either in person or via videoconference. They will also be invited to attend several multidisciplinary meetings to learn about current issues in management of benign and malignant conditions of the colon and rectum.

Curriculum and Coursework

Over the course of one year, fellows will complete a curriculum that covers important topics in study design and research methods.

At the beginning of the program, trainees will meet with Christy Cauley, MD, MPH, fellowship co-director, to be paired up with one or more personal faculty mentors. Trainees will meet with their mentor(s) weekly to discuss and plan research projects. In addition, they will interact with other members of the faculty twice a month during research meetings and didactics.

Current projects in the department that fellows have the opportunity take part in include intervention development and testing of digital therapeutics to improve communication with patients undergoing major colorectal surgery and surgeons. In addition, there are ongoing clinical trials in advanced cancer patients and patients with Crohn’s disease.

Research Areas and Opportunities

The Mass General colorectal surgery team is comprised of national leaders in health services research, clinical trials investigation and translational research focused on a variety of topics including benign and malignant conditions of the colon, rectum and anus.

Fellows will work with Mass General health service researchers that are:

• Using national databases to better understand surgical outcomes after colorectal surgery
• Developing and refining digital therapeutics as expansion projects to community partner sites
• Devising tailored interventions to address unmet needs of patients and families around the time of major surgery
• Involved in clinical trials to better visualize peritoneal lesions to achieve R0 resections in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Application Requirements

In order to qualify for the Mass General Colorectal Surgery Research Fellowship, applicants must have:

• Completed medical school
• Have an interest in devoting more than one year to research
• Proficient English speaking and writing skills

How to Apply

In order to apply for this program, please include the following in your application:

• CV with references to publications and descriptions of research experience
• Personal statement describing your research interests and plans after fellowship (<500 words)

The deadline to apply is January 12, 2024. Remote interviews will take place in February and March 2024. Those who are accepted to the program will receive confirmation by April 1, 2024.

Apply today