The Cleveland Clinic Health System

Cleveland, Ohio

Training Program Director: Stephanie A. Valente, DO, FACS

The Cleveland Clinic is an internationally recognized leader in healthcare and is consistently ranked among the top hospitals for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. The Cleveland Clinic Breast Program comprises three NABPC-accredited multidisciplinary academic centers located on the Clinic’s main campus in downtown Cleveland, as well as Fairview/Avon Hospitals on the West side and Hillcrest Hospital on the East side. It offers comprehensive care for patients with a full spectrum of benign and malignant breast diseases. Across the health system, more than 2,800 breast surgeries are performed annually. This experience provides a balanced understanding of our hybrid academic and community practice model.

Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship

The Cleveland Clinic offers 2 fellows a one-year, Society of Surgical Oncology–accredited Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship. The program provides advanced, immersive training in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of breast cancer and breast disease. The overarching goal is to develop future leaders in breast cancer care who are fully prepared to excel in either academic or community environments.

Curriculum

The Breast Center’s surgical teaching faculty includes 10 breast surgical oncologists with whom the fellow rotates. Trainees gain proficiency in a wide range of advanced surgical techniques, including:

• Nipple-sparing mastectomy
• Aesthetic flat mastectomy
• Goldilocks mastectomy
• Hidden-scar incision approaches
• Oncoplastic surgery and tissue rearrangement
• Minimally Invasive Breast Surgery
• Re-sensation surgery
• Lymphedema prevention surgery, including axillary reverse lymphatic mapping and lymphatic bypass techniques
• Breast ultrasound and biopsy

The curriculum also includes dedicated multidisciplinary rotations in:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Breast radiology and diagnostic intervention
• Breast pathology
• Medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• High-risk medical breast and genetics clinics
• Breast rehab and psychology
• Benign breast disease and survivorship programs

Educational Conferences

The fellow participates in a robust multidisciplinary education program, including:

• Weekly Breast Tumor Boards, where current clinical cases are reviewed for collaborative decision-making
• Weekly breast educational lectures delivered by multidisciplinary faculty
• A monthly breast journal club led by the fellows
• Monthly departmental research meetings and academic forums

These experiences reinforce a strong foundation in evidence-based breast cancer care, risk assessment, and preventive strategies.

Research

As part of a leading academic institution, the fellowship places strong emphasis on scholarly activity. Fellows are expected to complete at least one research project during the year. Dedicated research time and extensive support are provided through:

• Monthly research meetings
• A dedicated Department of Breast Surgery research team and statistical support
• Mentorship from breast surgical oncology and multidisciplinary faculty
• Faculty perform clinical and translational research

The fellow is expected to present their work at a national meeting and prepare a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Eligibility

The program accepts one fellow per year into the SSO-accredited Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship. Applicants must:

• Have completed an accredited General Surgery residency
• Be board-eligible or board-certified in General Surgery in the United States
• Be able to obtain an unrestricted Ohio medical license

The Cleveland Clinic participates in the SSO Fellowship Match. Application requirements, timelines, and interview details are available through the Society of Surgical Oncology website.

Contact Information