Additional Information

We are accepting applications for the Mark Justin Kusek Colorectal Cancer Research Fellowship, a fully funded position in our Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. We are seeking candidates who will have completed a minimum of two post-graduate training years in an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency program by June 30, 2024.This includes recent general surgery residency graduates with a specific interest in innovative colorectal cancer care who are interested in pursuing an intensive research experience. The position can be either a one-or two-year (preferable) commitment, depending on the candidate’s research goals.

We will provide a comprehensive research experience for a motivated, focused, and driven young surgeon who has a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic surgery. There will be significant opportunity for active participation in clinical trials, outcomes research, quality improvement programs, as well as translational research protocols. Interest in video technology and media is advantageous. There will be several opportunities for presentations at national and regional meetings throughout the year.

UMASS is a major academic tertiary regional referral center in Worcester, MA—less than a one-hour drive from Boston. We are a high-volume academic colon and rectal surgery practice. We are a dynamic, team-oriented group with a diverse and vibrant colorectal practice. We have a clinical focus on minimally invasive techniques for colorectal cancer, including robotics, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM/TAMIS), and endoluminal colonic stenting. There will be significant opportunity to work on projects alongside our general surgery residents and clinical fellow in Colon & Rectal surgery as well as guiding University of Massachusetts Chan Medical Students. We are eager to mentor a research fellow who has promise for a successful career as a leader in academic surgery. 

Our staff: 

Justin Maykel, MD (Division Chief) 

Tess Aulet, MD (Mark Justin Kusek Fellowship Director) 

Karim Alavi, MD, MPH (Director of Research, Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery) 

Paul Sturrock, MD 

Thomas Peponis MD

Start date is July 1, 2024. All interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and a letter of recommendation to Kinga Laska-Bostock (Kinga.LaskaBostock@umassmemorial.org) by Friday, December 1,2023. Any inquiries can be directed via email to Kinga Laska-Bostock. 

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