Fellowship Programs: Head and Neck Oncology & Microvascular Reconstruction

Program Directors:Robert M. Brody, MD
Ara A. Chalian, MD

Karthik Rajasekaran, MD

Program Faculty:D. Gregory Farwell, MD

Devraj Basu, MD, PhD

Steven Cannady, MD

Christopher Rassekh, MD

Gregory S. Weinstein, MD

Program descriptionThe clinical strengths of the program include learning a full complement of organ preservation surgery (i.e., supracricoid partial laryngectomy, endoscopic laser laryngeal surgery for cancer), Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, parotid surgery, microvascular free flap surgery, and endoscopic and open cranial base surgery.The graduating fellow will be armed with the technical and perioperative management skills necessary to treat these complex problems, as well as the skills to manage all aspects of “general” head and neck surgical oncology. The goal of the program has been to help the recent fellowship graduates to transition into being independent practitioners in head and neck oncology and to have the tools to succeed as an academic surgeon.

The program has a very strong track record in academic job placement nationally. For those prospective applicants with an interest in our program the list of prior fellows and their contact information is available from our program coordinator.

AccreditationYes (AHNS)
Start Date:July 1
Duration:1 year
Fellows per year:2
Salary:Appropriate for PGY Level
Licensing Requirements:Pennsylvania licensure required
Appointment Level:Instructor
Operating Privileges:Attending privileges
Resident Supervision:Yes
Operative Experience and case load:There are 1,200 head and neck procedures annually. The fellow will participate in 8-12 cases per week in all aspects of head and neck surgery, including conservation laryngeal surgery, endoscopic skull base surgery, reconstruction, microvascular surgery (~100 free flaps/year), and Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) utilizing the da Vinci Surgical Robot (~20 cases as console surgeon).
Clinic Responsibilities:Weekly independent half day clinic
Research:Research and teaching opportunities are also available and encouraged. The staff is available and interested in fostering clinical research.
Call Responsibilities:Yes (attending level): 2-3 days per month, 1 week of facial trauma call per year
Benefits:Full participation in health system benefits/insurance package
Program coordinator:Viba Nguyen
PC Telephone:(267) 428-7135
PC Email:viba.nguyen@uphs.upenn.edu
How to applyApplication occurs through the Advanced Training Council of the American Head and Neck Society. Applications are open in early January with interviews occurring in the Spring. Acceptances are offered in the summer for the following academic year
FellowsCurrent fellowsList of prior fellows and their current affiliations:

https://www.ahns.info/upenn-prog-desc/