University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

Gilbert, Arizona

Training Program Director: Epameinondas Dogeas, MD

Overview

The Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program is committed to training future leaders in the field of surgical oncology by providing comprehensive education, advanced technical skills, and research opportunities.  Our mission is to equip fellows with the knowledge and expertise to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care while advancing innovations in cancer treatment and research.  Through a multidisciplinary approach, we emphasize clinical excellence, scholarly inquiry, and leadership development to improve outcomes for patients with complex oncologic conditions.

Fellows receive training from committed faculty members at the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Our tertiary referral, multi-disciplinary cancer center, is one of the largest cancer centers in the Southwest. The complexity of the diseases and the diversity of our patient population will expose our fellows to the broadest breadth and greatest depth of training possible. Our fellows will acquire surgical expertise in the specialties of HPB, GI, Colorectal, Melanoma, Sarcoma, Breast, Genitourinary, Head & Neck, and Thoracic surgeries, as well as exposure to Radiation Oncology, Interventional Radiology, and Pathology. Our fellowship will also foster a strong foundation in clinical research, encouraging fellows to contribute to scientific advancements through participation in clinical trials, outcomes research, and innovative surgical techniques.

The success of our program is defined by our ability to assist each fellow in achieving their career goals and excel in their practice in the field of Complex General Surgical Oncology. Our fellowship program is a 24-month ACGME accredited training program based on American Board of Surgery guidelines. Our program provides fellows with advanced, hands-on experience in the surgical management of complex oncologic cases, ensuring mastery of operative techniques, perioperative care, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We will promote active engagement of our fellows with specialist in medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, palliative medicine and other specialties to deliver comprehensive team-based care for patients with complex malignancies. Our fellows will become compassionate clinicians dedicated to the care of patients with complex malignancies.

Who We Are

The Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship program is dedicated to training the next generation of academic and clinical leaders in cancer surgery.  Our program offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary training in the management of complex oncologic diseases, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices, innovation, and compassionate care.

Our fellows work alongside nationally and internationally recognized experts in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology and research. Through rigorous clinical training and scholarly development, we prepare surgeons to deliver exceptional cancer care, contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement, and lead in academic, research and clinical settings.

We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence, diversity, mentorship and collaboration. Our program is deeply committed to the professional and personal growth of our fellows, equipping them to make lasting impacts on the lives of cancer patients and the future of surgical oncology.

Training Sites

• • Banner MD Anderson Gateway
  • Banner MD Anderson University – Phoenix

Faculty

Epameinondas Dogeas, MD

Specialty: Sarcoma & Connective Tissue, Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic, Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology.

Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, General Surgery.

Fellowship:  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Fellowship, Hepatobiliary Surgery. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Surgical Oncology. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Research.

U of A: Assistant Clinical Professor.

Michael Choti, MD, MBA

Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology

Specialty: Surgical Oncology

Interests: Liver tumors, Pancreas tumors, Neuroendocrine tumors, Gallbladder tumors.

Residency: General Surgery, University of Pennsylvania.

Fellowship: Surgical Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.           

Other Core Faculty: Division of Surgical Oncology – Faculty | The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Curriculum

We offer a 24-month ACGME-accredited Complex General Surgical Oncology. The first 12-months include a rotation in one of 10 specialties, with a combination of outpatient clinic, inpatient rounding and surgical procedures. Each rotation’s goals and objectives are aligned with the ACGME core competencies and milestones. Our fellows receive continuous guidance and evaluation to ensure timely progress toward these objectives.

The last 3 months of the fellowship program allows fellows to select a professional track. These tracks are designed to help trainees develop specialized expertise that will prepare them for careers in their chosen fields.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) only. Please visit the ERAS website for information on 2026 application cycle deadlines.  You will also need to register for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) in order to apply.

Required documents for applicants

• To be eligible for the Surgical Oncology Fellowship program, you must have successfully completed 5 years of an accredited post-graduate training program in General Surgery in the United States or Canada.
• Applicants must be us citizens, hold US permanent residency, or possess a J-1 visa. The program does not sponsor any other type of visa.
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement outlining your academic goals and career interests in surgical oncology.
• Three letters of recommendation. One letter must be from your residency training program director.
• Examination requirements: USMLE I, II and III and be board eligible or certified in General Surgery.
• International medical graduates must submit ECFMG certificate, and if not a US citizen or permanent resident, a copy of a current visa.

Research

During their 4 months of dedicated research time, the fellows will pursue research to address gaps in oncology literature. Each fellow is encouraged to explore and define his or her individual research interests and goals. The fellows will learn how to leverage the institutional tumor registry to answer their research questions. They will learn the importance of maintaining a robust tumor registry and will showcase leadership in proposing ways to expand the scope and breadth of the tumor registry. Fellows will have access to research tools and resources such as statistical software, biostatistical consulting, research mentorship, medical libraries, and journal databases.

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