Duke offers a two-year vascular surgery training program, accepting one incoming Fellow per year. The curriculum, which includes training in open surgical techniques, endovascular techniques, diagnostic modalities (MR, CT, ultrasound, and PVRs), and related fields (Cardiology, Hematology, Interventional Radiology), also allows a three month block of time to be devoted exclusively to research. The curriculum is structured in an integrated fashion, so that the Fellow rotates on these various disciplines throughout the two year period, rather than concentrating exclusively on endovascular for a year and open surgery for a year.

 

While on-service in the different areas, the Fellow has the opportunity to work with all of the Duke faculty equally, depending on case mix and availability. This affords the greatest exposure to different procedures and different technical styles. A day per week in clinic is required while the Fellow is on the surgical service, providing longitudinal care experience.

 

The clinical schedule of the Vascular Surgery Fellow is coordinated with the Chief Residents of General Surgery such that the Fellow and the Chief Residents do not operate on a particular rotation at the same time. This avoids competition for cases and allows the Vascular Fellow to easily obtain the requisite number of vascular cases for General Vascular Board eligibility. Management of the Vascular Surgery Service takes place with a team of house staff and medical students, and education remains a high priority for all members of the service at all times. The Fellow is primarily responsible for preparing a weekly presentation at the Multidisciplinary Vascular Conference. This conference is held weekly and includes both Basic Science and Clinical Curriculum topics presented by the Fellow and speakers from related fields (Anesthesiology, Neurology, Statistics, Cardiology). Topics presented are selected with an eye towards preparation for General Vascular Board Certification. During the course of the year, the Fellow should expect to perform a significant number of endovascular and open AAA repairs, carotid endartectomies, lower extremity arterial bypass procedures, and vascular access constructions. In addition to the large number of “routine” cases, there will be a unique opportunity to participate in quite a number of unusual and complex cases, given Duke's international renown and large referral base. Opportunities for participation in clinical research activities and publications will be available throughout the year.

 

During the research rotation the Fellow may elect to join an existing clinical or research project, or develop his or her own. Current ongoing basic research projects include studies of hemostasis and coagulation, tissue engineering of novel arterial bypass conduits, genomic microarray and analysis of peripheral arterial tissue. The Fellow will be trained in all aspects of surgical research, including grant preparation, experimental design, experimental data collection, and data analysis and publication. Opportunities will be available to present at national and international meetings. Resources are available for scientific investigation at the level of gene, protein, cell, and/or animal, depending on the Fellow's interests. The Department of Surgery at Duke remains the highest recipient of NIH funding of all departments of surgery in the nation, providing the Fellow with an opportunity for scientific inquiry at the highest level.

 

By the completion of the Duke Vascular Fellowship Program, the Fellow will be fully qualified to obtain General Vascular Board Certification and to enter either private or academic practice in Vascular Surgery.