The Gynecologic Oncology Division of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is committed to making strides towards the goal of cancer eradication. West Cancer Center has unique partnership with UTHSC which includes collaboration with other major healthcare and research institutions in the city and region. This innovative partnership unites the foremost experts in patient care, research and education in order to provide the most comprehensive cancer care available in the Mid-South region.
The program faculty consists of seven gynecologic oncologists. The UTHSC/West Cancer Center Department of Gynecologic Oncology is dedicated to producing highly competent and influential gynecologic 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 three-year fellowship is comprised of one dedicated research year followed by two years of clinical training. Although the first year of fellowship is dedicated to research, continued involvement in research is encouraged throughout the fellowship.
Our clinical curriculum is focused on comprehensive care of women with gynecologic malignancies. During the second two years, our fellows will be mentored by experts in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, urology, chemotherapy, ICU medicine, pathology, genetic counseling, and palliative care. Our goal is for fellows to experience graduated responsibility towards independence in the complex surgical and medical management required to care for our unique patient population.
Current Gynecologic Oncology Fellows:
Youngeun Armbuster, MD
PGY-6
Chelsea Stewart, MD
PGY-6
Charlotte Gerrity, MD
PGY-5
Youngeun Armbuster, MD
PGY-5
Message from the Program Director
West Cancer Center has been committed to educating and training future oncologists since the doors first opened. In partnership with UTHSC, West is developing the next generation of world-class gynecologic oncologists through the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Training Program. A versatile program with a dual focus on both patient care and resesarch, Fellows spend 3 years honing their skills and preparing for their future. Our multidisciplinary approach offers the latest advancements in 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 fellows are able to deliver the most advanced and innovative treatments available today.
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
- 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.