The West Cancer Center, Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program is committed to making strides towards the goal of cancer eradication.
The West Cancer Center Department of Breast Surgical Oncology is dedicated to producing highly competent and influential breast surgical oncologists of high character, outstanding clinical capabilities and with commitment to discovery and the advancement of science to be used in the fight against cancer
The one year fellowship will focus on participation in Breast Surgery with additional rotations to include Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Pathology, Diagnostic Screening, Genetics Testing and Counseling, Psychosocial Medicine, Community Outreach, and Research throughout the fellowship.
There is a dedicated weekly tumor board that the fellow will attend and present. The fellow will gain ultrasound skills including ultrasound guided biopsy and be ready for certification at the completion of the fellowship.
Current Breast Surgery Fellow:
Jenna Nichols, MD
PGY-6
2026 – 2027
Message from the Program Director
West Cancer Center has been committed to educating and training future oncologists since the doors first opened. West Cancer Center is developing the next generation of world-class breast surgical oncologists through the West Cancer Center Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Training Program. A versatile program with a dual focus on both patient care in the clinical setting and research in the academic setting, Fellows at West Cancer Center spend one year honing their skills and preparing for their future. Our multidisciplinary approach offers the latest advancements in image guided biopsy, diagnostic imaging and testing, genetic screening, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapies, as well as minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques for tumor resection or alleviation. This combination of cutting-edge research, comprehensive patient care and state-of-the-art technology ensures our oncologists are able to deliver the most advanced – and innovative – treatments available for the treatment of various disease states.
Primary Site
The primary teaching facility for the fellowship program is West Cancer Center & Research Institute, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer center serving patients throughout the Mid-South. West brings together highly specialized care across medical oncology and hematology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, breast oncology, gynecologic oncology, interventional radiology, imaging, pathology, supportive care and clinical research. Through the Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center, fellows gain experience in a high-volume, multidisciplinary breast program and learn alongside specialists dedicated to advancing cancer care and research.
Application Information
Positions for the Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship are offered through the National Matching Services Inc. All applications must be submitted through ERAS. Applications received after our deadline will not be considered for an interview.
Required Documents
- Current Photograph (required)
- Personal Statement
- Medical School Transcript
- MSPE
- USMLE or COMLEX Scores (passing scores are required for steps 1, 2 and 3)
- Three Letters of Recommendation (including the medicine chair)
- All SSO applications are reviewed and invitations to interview will be extended to those selected via e-mail.
Interview Overview
- Program overview
- Research overview
- Faculty interviews
- Tour of the facilities
- Lunch with current fellows
*Hotel accommodations are not provided. However, transportation from your hotel will be provided to and from campus on your interview date.
International Medical Graduate Requirements
Due to the large number of highly qualified applicants, only a small number of international medical graduates are granted interviews for the Hematology and Oncology fellowship.
For International Medical Graduates we require:
- You must have a valid ECFMG certificate.
- We offer a J1 Visa only. Please do not submit an application to our program if you require an (H) visa.
- Graduation from ACGME accredited Internal Medicine Residency within the last 5 years.
Leave Time
- Annual/Vacation: Residents may take up to three weeks of annual leave per year. Annual leave is not accumulated from year to year. Residents do not receive pay for unused annual leave.
- Educational Leave: Educational leave can be taken during fellowship with approval from the Program Director.
- Sick Leave: Fellows accumulate there weeks of sick leave per year. Sick leave is non-cumulative from year to year. Residents are not paid for unused sick leave.
- Parental Leave: Parental leave is available to residents for the birth or adoption of a child. Sick leave and annual leave may be used in order for the resident’s salary to continue. Additional time is permitted with the approval of the Program Director and will be leave without pay. Due to SSO rules, time off may delay completion of the fellowship.
Curriculum & Training
- Rotations: The Breast Surgical Oncology Fellow participates in all aspects of surgical management. The one year fellowship will focus on participation on the Breast Service with additional rotations to include Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Pathology, Diagnostic Screening, Genetics Testing and Counseling, Psychosocial Medicine, Community Outreach, and Research throughout the fellowship.
- There is a dedicated weekly tumor board that the fellow will attend and present at. The fellow will assist in instructing residents, medical students, and advance care practitioners. The fellow will gain ultrasound skills including ultrasound guided biopsy and be ready for certification at the completion of the fellowship.
Conferences
- Oncology Lectures: Fellows participate in a weekly one-hour didactic session, which will be led by faculty. Once quarterly, a journal club will meet where new articles are presented by the fellow.
- Multi-disciplinary Conferences: There is a dedicated weekly tumor board that the fellow will attend and present at. The fellow will assist in instructing residents, medical students, and advance care practitioners. The fellow will gain ultrasound skills including ultrasound guided biopsy and be ready for certification at the completion of the fellowship.
- Research Opportunities: The overall goal of our research curriculum is not only research publication but also a comprehensive understanding of research design, analysis and application. Clinical research can be completed in this time but sufficient time must be dedicated to understanding bench research as it relates to clinical care.