PAs Surgical FellowshipMission

To prepare certified Physician Assistants to become proficient in all aspects of acute care surgery via an advanced didactic and clinical training program.

Program attributes

  • A diverse surgical and critical care education
  • A proctored clinical and surgical/procedural experience
  • Didactic and clinical curriculum aimed at fostering critical thinking, leadership, confidence and a mindset of lifelong learning
  • Learner-oriented, competency-based curriculum focused on clinical skills, system based knowledge and professional conduct required to provide safe, excellent, compassionate quality care to surgical and critically ill patients

Program promise

Upon completion, participants will be more confident and consistent APPs, equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care to patients.

Eligibility

  • Completion of PA Master’s program
  • National board certification
  • Connecticut state licensure
  • Designated drug screening
  • Criminal background check

Curriculum

Phase 1: General/Trauma surgery – 6 months

  • Intense clinical/didactic experience
  • Located at Backus Hospital where there is no competition with medical residents for cases or procedures.
  • Procedural exposure includes complex robotic/open hernia repair, foregut and bariatric surgery, robotic thoracic surgery, vascular and endovascular surgery, endocrine head and neck surgery, trauma and chest wall surgery, neurosurgery as well as bedside procedures including central line and chest tube insertion.
  • Additional subspecialty exposure to neurosurgery, colorectal, bariatrics, plastics

Phase 2: Core rotations – 6 months

  • Surgical ICU – 2 x 4-week blocks
  • Thoracic – 4 weeks
  • Vascular – 4 weeks
  • Electives (fellow’s choice) – 2 x 4-week blocks

Phase 3: Transition to completion – 1 month

  • Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by the program, signed by the medical director, program director and participating faculty.

Stipend and benefits

  • Fellows will be paid a competitive stipend over the 13 months of the program and are eligible for full comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision by Hartford HealthCare.

Read the job description

Application dates and requirements

Program start dates:

  • April
  • October

Application window

  • June 23 – Aug. 24, 2024 for the April 2025 cohort.

Notification timeline

  • Notification of acceptance will be provided within 4 weeks of interview

Application requirements

  1. Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
  2. One page statement of interest in post graduate training (PDF)
  3. Recent, professional passport size photograph (JPEG)
  4. Official graduate (PA school) transcripts

Additional requirements

  • Letters of recommendation from one each of the following:
    1. Program director
    2. Faculty
    3. Physician

Apply