Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship

The Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship at University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine is a one-year, fully funded, non-ACGME-accredited program that accepts one fellow per year (August 1st - July 31st). The fellowship is designed for graduates of an accredited general surgery residency who are ready to progress their training in the areas of complex hernia management and abdominal wall reconstruction.

As a fellow in our program, you will gain expertise in complex hernia and abdominal wall pathology management, including: recurrent, loss of domain hernias, component separation (anterior and posterior - including both open and robotic TAR), robotic eTEP/Rives - Stoppa repairs, redo retro muscular repairs (redo TAR/redo Rives - Stoppa), MIS and open inguinal and recurrent inguinal hernia repairs, chronic groin pain, mesh removal, parastomal hernia repair with ostomy/urostomy revisions, EC fistulas, missing abdominal wall soft tissue defects, mesh complications, chronic wounds, and repair of flank, chest wall and perineal hernia defects.

The fellow is appointed as a Clinical Instructor within the Department of Surgery. Clinical responsibilities include all aspects of care of the abdominal wall reconstruction patients, spanning from initial clinic evaluation, operative and in-hospital care, through post-operative visits. The fellow has full attending privileges at the institution and is expected to take general surgery call, with faculty oversight, as part of their educational experience.

Our curriculum provides ongoing educational and research activities to ensure you the experience, resources and mentorship needed to meet your individual advancement goals. We have five dedicated faculty who are committed to your education. All training activities are appropriately supervised to ensure your competency and progressive autonomy throughout the program.

Application Process

Fellows must have completed an ACGME-approved general surgery residency program or be fully trained surgeons eligible for unrestricted licensure to practice medicine in Tennessee.

• Interested applicants should submit applications to Patty Hamilton (phamilto@utmck.edu)
  
  
• Applications must include:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement detailing their interest in the fellowship and career goals
• ABSITE scores
• USMLE scores
• Three Letters of Recommendation
  
  
• Foreign medical school applicants must be ECGMG certified.
  
  
• Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider H-1 or J-1 visa holders/applicants.
  
  

The Department of Surgery does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

The application process for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open. Submit your application to Patty Hamilton at phamilto@utmck.edu.