Overview

The Division of Surgical Oncology offers one fellowship position, each year, into a two-year ACGME-accredited program of training in complex surgical oncology.

The goal of the training experience is to produce an academic surgeon capable of taking a leadership role in the multi-disciplinary care of cancer patients and clinical research.

Massey Cancer Center

VCU Massey Cancer Center is among the top four percent of cancer centers in the country and is one of two in the state designated by the National Cancer Institute to lead and shape America’s cancer research efforts.

Massey conducts cancer research at every level, including basic science (laboratory), translational, clinical and population sciences research. A major strength for Massey is in facilitating the translation and real-world application of research discoveries into improved treatments and patient care and advances in cancer prevention and control.

Massey Cancer Center

Clinical Experience

The ACGME fellowship provides comprehensive training in complex surgical oncology.

During the first year, the fellow spends the first nine months on the Surgical Oncology service which provides exposure to breast, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatopancreatobiliary, colorectal, melanoma, sarcoma, and peritoneal surface disease. We incorporate training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. The remaining three months are spent are on pathology, medical oncology and radiation oncology.

For the last month of the first year and the first month of the second year the fellow will spend two months on the Transplant service (hepatobiliary-focused). 

During the second year, they will have four months of dedicated research time, and three months of electives which can be tailored to their interests, including thoracic, gynecologic oncology, urologic oncology, and orthopedic oncology. The fellows spend two months on our transplant service focusing on hepatobillary. During the last three months of the fellowship, the fellow will be on the Surgical Oncology service.

Research

The program provides the opportunity for each fellow to conduct basic research and/or clinical outcomes research with dedicated research time and can choose to work with a wide range of faculty at VCU Massey Cancer Center — both from within the surgery department and throughout the VCU community. For example, past research has included molecular biology, immunotherapy, cell signaling, animal tumor models, and clinical projects.

Conferences

The Division of Surgical Oncology has weekly didactic conferences, and the Department of Surgery has weekly M&M and Grand Rounds conferences. There are also additional conferences targeted for the Surgical Oncology fellows. We follow the complex General Surgical Oncology SCORE curriculum and multidisciplinary tumor boards in Breast, Endocrine, GI/HPB, Cutaneous, and Sarcoma occur weekly.

Our Alumni

2005–2022

2005–07: M. Habibi, Johns Hopkins University
2006–08: K. Takabe, Roswell Park Cancer Center
2007–09: R. Kim, Southern Illinois University
2008–10: T. McKenzie-Johnson, Cambridge Hospital, Massachusetts
2009–11: C. Stevenson, University of Connecticut
2010–12: E. Seitelman, Nassau University Medical Center
2011–13: T. Arora, Augusta University
2013–15: L. Fernandez, Virginia Commonwealth University
2014–16: M. Hull, Private practice, Connecticut
2015–17: R. Seth, HPB fellowship, England
2016–18: Travis Mason Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii
2017–19: L. Stapleton, Private Practice
2018–20: H. Peters, Private Practice, Colorado
2019–21: Catalina Mosuera, GenesisCare Cancer Treatment, Fort Myers Florida
2020-22: Weston Stover, David Grant Medical Center, California
2021-23: Tina Wong, Spectrum Health, Michigan

 

Message from the Program Director

VCUSOM director's message

Message from the Program Director

"Welcome to the complex general surgical oncology fellowship at VCU. Our mission is to train future leaders in cancer care. We offer the opportunity to explore all aspects of solid tumor, skin and soft tissue oncology, utilizing multidisciplinary care and emerging technology to offer our patients the future of surgical oncology today. We offer specialized exposure to disparities research and clinical trials as well as HIPEC, robotics, oncoplastic surgery and community oncology. Our fellows graduate with the experience and ability not only to practice, but advance, the standard of care in whatever aspect of surgical oncology they choose to practice."

 

Kandace P. McGuire, MD FACS
Program Director

Division of Surgical Oncology

How to apply

Applications are due no later than June 30.

To apply please include:

  • SSO application https://www.surgonc.org/
  • Curriculum vitae, including awards, honors, scholarships, societies and publications
  • Documentation of exams taken (e.g., ABSITE, USMLE)
  • A photograph
  • A personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation (one from your department of surgery chair or designee and two from faculty members who have worked closely with you during your surgery training)

Invitations to interview will be issued by August 1.

Contact Us

Kandace P. McGuire, MD FACS
Program Director
kandace.mcguire@vcuhealth.org

Raphael Louie, MD, MPH
Associate Program Director
raphael.louie@vcuhealth.org

Lexi Hill
Fellowship Coordinator
alexa.rosswog@vcuhealth.org
(804) 628-8654

Office location:
West Hospital
7th Floor, West Wing

Mailing address: 
Box 980011
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0011

Phone: (804) 828-9322
Fax: (804) 828-4808

Current Fellows:

Brian Sparkman, MD (PGY-7)

Andrew Francis, MD (PGY-6)

William Royster, MD (2024 PGY-6)