Fairfax, VA
Training Program Director: Dr. Shawna Willey
Located on the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Northern Virginia, a few miles from the nation’s capital in Washington, DC, the program offers the diverse, real-world educational and clinical experience required by a well-rounded clinician. When you live and work at Inova (located just 10 miles from Washington, DC), you have the world at your fingertips. The DC region offers unlimited access to political, cultural, historical, and educational opportunities. With so many attractions just minutes from your door, the hardest part is deciding which to try first.
About the Program
The recently approved Inova Schar Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Inova Fairfax Hospital is excited to welcome applicants for our first fellowship position! This 12 month multidisciplinary fellowship program boasts monthly clinical blocks interspersed with a hearty didactic schedule. All of the rotations will take place at our world class facilities: Inova Schar Cancer Institute and the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
The Inova Schar Cancer Institute is a brand new facility that houses the Breast Surgery and Cancer Program. We offer training in the management of both benign and malignant breast disease. In 2020, 2500 new patients were seen by our surgeons and 1800 breast cases performed – half of which were for cancer.
The fellow will have an apprentice model of learning during the rotations with breast surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. The rotations are structured to allow for continuity of care across the spectrum of the breast cancer treatment continuum.
Multidisciplinary tumor board meetings are held weekly and the Fellow will be expected to present cases in which they participated in the management and care.
The Fellow will also gain experience in community outreach through participation in our world class Life with Cancer program, by attending support groups and helping to coordinate educational programs and public events from diagnosis through survivorship.
Our Faculty
Our multidisciplinary faculty is highly invested in Fellow education. The core teaching faculty includes 5 world renowned breast surgeons who have perfected their practice in the Breast Surgery and Oncology field. In addition, we have multiple radiology, radiation oncology, pathology, genetics, medical oncology, and plastics/reconstruction faculty who are dedicated to creating a robust and interdisciplinary program. We also have an amazing Life with Cancer program that is dedicated to help the fellow with other important aspects of cancer treatment and care that include psycho-oncology, survivorship, physical therapy, & community outreach.
Research Opportunities
The Surgery Department research division delivers lectures to fellows and residents that cover methodology, project design and statistics incorporated in a yearly curriculum. Additionally the staff supervises completion of required certifications such as CITI training. The fellow will have dedicated time every other block to work on their chosen research project with the aim to present at annual conferences.
It is expected that the Fellow will submit at least one project for presentation or publication that was conducted during their Fellowship.
Clinical Rotations
The first month of fellowship allows for an introduction to Inova, Research department and requirements, Pathology and Genetics. Clinical rotations include 5 months of breast surgery to comprise dedicated pathology time, one month each of medical oncology (genetics included), radiation oncology, radiology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Exposure on the surgery rotations will include outpatient and operative experience in both benign and malignant disease. Image-guided biopsy instruction will be included in these clinical rotations.
In addition there will be exposure to Life with Cancer that encompasses community outreach and psycho oncology, and provides an opportunity to attend support groups.
Meetings and Conferences
It is anticipated that the Fellow will attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. In addition, they are encouraged to attend any meeting where their work has been selected for scientific presentation.
Eligibility and Applications
Prospective applicants will be required to apply through the SSO National Matching Services.
All applicants must have successfully completed a residency in general surgery, be eligible for medical licensure in the state of Virginia and be a US citizen or green card holder. We are unable to sponsor visas.
Contact Information:
Fellowship Training Program Director: | Dr. Shawna Willey |
Phone: | 571-472-1600 |
Email: | |
Address: | 8081 Innovation Park Drive Fairfax, VA 22031 |
Fellowship Program Coordinator: | Kelsey Martinez |
Phone: | 703-776-4651 |
Email: |