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UTGSM to Launch an Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship

The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM) is proud to announce the initiation of the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship, an intensive one-year program aimed at advancing the skills of graduates from accredited general surgery residencies in the realm of complex hernia management and abdominal wall reconstruction. Under the mentorship of esteemed faculty members, the fellowship offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing a wide array of specialized techniques and procedures. From recurrent hernias to mesh complications, and from chronic wounds to hernia defects, fellows will be equipped with the expertise to address a spectrum of complex abdominal wall pathologies.

Melissa S. Phillips, MD, FACS, Program Director of the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship, has extensive experience in abdominal wall reconstruction and complex hernia repair, ensuring fellows receive unparalleled mentorship and guidance throughout their training journey. She emphasizes the program's commitment to providing fellows with a robust educational experience. "We want to make sure that each trainee has the surgical "toolkit" that he or she needs to address every type of hernia, from the simple to the complex, at the completion of our fellowship. This entails understanding abdominal wall anatomy, studying the latest hernia-related randomized controlled trials, and applying research-based improvements clinically in the operating room," said Dr. Phillips. "It is also essential to understand how to pair the right surgical technique to each individual patient's condition. To do this, we enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues on challenging cases and collect our clinical outcomes in a national database, using this information for ongoing self-improvement and education. When our fellows learn the tools and how to apply them, they will be unstoppable hernia surgeons."

Joining Dr. Phillips in leading this transformative fellowship is Kaela E. Blake, MD, Associate Program Director of the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship. With a focus on minimally invasive surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction, Dr. Blake brings a wealth of expertise to the program. "This is an exciting time for the field of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, which is rapidly growing and evolving. There are only a few dedicated hernia fellowships in the country, and we have the expertise and clinical volume to establish one more,” stated Dr. Blake. “We are excited to train hernia specialists and provide quality care for patients suffering from abdominal wall problems."

Dr. Phillips and Dr. Blake both completed additional fellowship training in Cleveland, OH where they trained under world experts in complex hernia management. Additionally, Dr. Greg Mancini, Dr. Matt Mancini and Dr. Kyle Kleppe will contribute to the mentorship and training of the fellow. All of whom bring expertise and experience in the management of hernias and complex abdominal wall pathology. Dr. Aldo Fafaj, hernia specialist with fellowship training from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, will be joining UTGSM as faculty in the fall 2024. Dr. Fafaj will also be instrumental in developing this program into one of the top abdominal wall reconstruction fellowship programs in the country.

As a Clinical Instructor within the Department of Surgery, fellows will assume full attending privileges, providing comprehensive care to patients throughout all stages of their surgical journey. Under faculty supervision, fellows will gain progressive autonomy, honing their clinical skills and judgment. The fellowship's curriculum extends beyond clinical rotations to encompass educational and research activities aimed at fostering innovation and excellence. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in scholarly pursuits alongside dedicated faculty members, contributing to advancements in the field of abdominal wall reconstruction.

The Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship at UTGSM is poised to become a premier training program for aspiring surgeons seeking to specialize in complex hernia management and abdominal wall reconstruction. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and mentorship, the fellowship stands as a testament to UTGSM's commitment to advancing surgical education and patient care.

Posted August 8, 2024