The University of Kansas Health System (Midwest Institute of Microsurgery) Fellowship is a one-year experience designed to train individuals in all aspects of microsurgery, including complex reconstruction of the head and neck, upper extremity, lower extremity, breast and trunk, in addition to gender-affirmation surgery and lymphedema surgery. Since the program's inception in 2014.  Fellows typically graduate having performed 150-250 free flaps over the course of the year.

Staff

As a microsurgical fellow, you will work closely with our microsurgery-trained staff. Drs. Butterworth, Collins, Farmer, Holding, and Lai’s practices are largely breast and lymphedema focused. Additionally, Dr. Farmer specializes in sarcoma reconstruction and transgender surgery.   Dr. Megee focuses on complex reconstruction of the upper and lower extremities, brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery. Dr. Garg is craniofacial trained and performs a significant volume of adult complex reconstruction of the head and neck, including both traumatic and oncologic defects.

Locations

Our clinical locations, operated by The University of Kansas Health System, include operating rooms and clinics at our main campus on 39th Street and Rainbow Boulevard and at our Indian Creek campus at I-435 and Nall Avenue. Microsurgery and most complex reconstructions take place at our main campus.

Clinical Volume

Our fellows have an immersive experience in both microsurgical and complex reconstruction of the breast, head and neck, upper and lower extremities and trunk. In addition, our gender affirmation and lymphedema programs have experienced significant growth in the past few years.   Below are average numbers of cases performed each year.

• Breast: 200
• Head & Neck: 20
• Upper & Lower Extremity: 10
• Lymphedema Surgeries: 20-30
• Trunk: 5-10
• Gender Affirmation: 10-15
• Complex, Non-Microsurgical Reconstruction: 100-150

Expectations

Fellowship duration: August 1 to July 31.

The fellowship program runs from August 1 to July 31 of the following calendar year. Fellows are expected to attend at least one clinic of their choice per week, depending on the operative schedule, and are expected to participate in all microsurgical cases, when possible. Fellows are not part of the call pool; however, they may be asked to assist with call duties on the evening prior to the in-service training exam for current residents and are expected to participate in all flap take-backs. Participation in clinical research is a requirement, and we encourage the presentation of completed projects at national meetings. Finally, fellows are expected to assist with microsurgery lab training of residents, which occurs three times per year.

Conference Attendance

Fellows are required to attend the ASRM meeting and participate in the Fellow Round Table. Submission of research for presentation is encouraged but not required. Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed by the department.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits are provided based on the institutional guidelines for educational level. This information can be found on the GME website.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants may apply to our program through the San Francisco Match. More information on the microsurgery match can be found on the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery website. Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews

Interviews are held in the spring, one year prior to the fellowship start date.

Contact Information

Fellowship Director:
Meredith Collins, MD
Assistant Professor

Program Coordinator:
Kendra Harms
(913) 588-200
kharms2@kumc.edu