University of Iowa Healthcare

Iowa City, Iowa

Training program director: Ingrid Lizarraga, MBBS, FACS

University of Iowa Health Care is Iowa’s only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Our breast fellowship was started in 2008 and certified by the SSO in 2103 with the aim of providing training in all aspects of treatment of benign and malignant breast disease, with a particular focus on the leadership role of the surgeon in breast cancer care.

We are dedicated to a comprehensive training and mentorship program. The fellow benefits from close interaction with our colleagues in the vibrant multidisciplinary breast oncology group, which is part of the only NCI designated Cancer Center in the state. We participate in  multi-institutional cooperative group clinical trials, as well as our own institutional trials and registries.

Facilities and Staff

Our NAPBC accredited breast center is housed with the Holden Comprehensive Cancer at the University of Iowa Health Care. The multidisciplinary breast oncology group includes 4 breast surgical oncologists, 5 medical oncologists, 5 breast radiologists, 2 radiation oncologists, 3 plastic surgeons,2a breast pathologists and numerous support staff involved in patient navigation, genetic counseling, rehabilitation and research. Our physicians are all specialized in breast care.

Clinical Rotations

The core curriculum is based on the educational objectives outlined by the SSO and is designed to provide the breast fellow with in-depth experience in all aspects of care of the breast patient. Dedicated rotations in medical oncology, radiation oncology and plastic and reconstructive surgery provide an understanding of the multidisciplinary care of breast disease. A breast imaging rotation provides exposure to mammography, tomosynthesis, screening and diagnostic ultrasound, whole breast ultrasound, MRI and all forms of image-guided biopsy.

Breast ultrasound is used frequently in clinic and in the operating room, which, combined with hand on ultrasound opportunities on the breast imaging rotation, gives the fellow ample diagnostic and interventional ultrasound experience. . Additionally, training is provided via dedicated experiences breast pathology, psycho oncology, high-risk evaluation and management, genetic counseling, palliative care,  rehabilitation and community engagement. Fellows receive ample experience in oncoplastic surgery, skin and nipple sparing mastectomy, targeted axillary dissection and flat aesthetic closure. Experiences unique to our fellowship include participation in lactation clinic, the fertility preservation service and our LGBTQ clinic. There is a strong emphasis on fostering leadership both clinically and in research. The fellow runs the breast service and is given progressively more responsibility and autonomy in evaluating, counseling, and developing and executing a management plan for our patients. They are expected to present patients and lead the discussion at the weekly multidisciplinary conference. Training in breast center management anticipates the fellow’s future role as a leader in the medical community.

Meetings and conferences

The didactic curriculum includes a multidisciplinary lecture series, as well as a regular journal club and specialty specific conferences, such as our biweekly Breast Imaging Radiology-Pathology Concordance Conference and monthly Genetics Case Conference.  Participation in quarterly Breast steering committee meetings helps the fellow understand the necessary components of a breast center, the data collection and management requirements for breast center certification, and the organization of a multidisciplinary tumor board.. An on-line Biostatistics course is provided to facilitate training in analysis, development and design of research projects.

Research and clinical trials

A surgical faculty research mentor will assist the fellow in developing and completing at least one clinical research project, which they are expected to present at a local, regional or national meeting. Research is facilitated by a robust breast tumor registry, the Breast Molecular Epidemiology Registry and a population-based breast cancer research group. The Cancer Center is a participant in a number of multi-institutional trials which allows the fellow to gain experience in the clinical trial design and patient accrual. Additionally, the many individuals actively engaged in clinical, translational, and basic science research within the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a rich environment for our fellow.

Eligibility and Application

Applicants should be general surgery board-eligible/board-certified with the American Board of Surgery. Interested candidates should apply via the Society of Surgical Oncology. Well-qualified individuals from other countries will also be considered. For additional information, please contact the program.

Contact Information