title: Fellowship Training: Need and Contributions.
abstract: Surgical subspecialties are now well established, and many surgery residents pursue fellowship training for various reasons. Fellowships can bridge the gaps found in many residency programs by providing graduating residents with opportunities to master surgical skills, gain confidence and progressive autonomy, and receive further mentorship. The experience also eases the transition to independent practice by allowing surgeons to tailor their training to coincide with personal interests and future practice goals. It is unlikely that the number of surgery residents pursuing fellowship training will decrease, so it is important to provide the infrastructure, oversight, and opportunities to meet their needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Gundersen Health System, 1900 South Avenue, C05-001, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA. Electronic address: btgrover@gundersenhealth.org.
authors.forename: Brandon T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Grover
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Gundersen Health System, 1900 South Avenue, C05-001, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA.
authors.forename: Shanu N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Kothari
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States
keywords: Advanced laparoscopy; Board certification; Fellowship; Surgical education; Surgical residency; Surgical specialties