MIS / Bariatric and Foregut Surgery Fellowship at Summa Health
Established in 2010 by Dr. John Zografakis (founding Program Director) and currently led by Dr. Adrian Dan (Program Director), our Fellowship in bariatric/Adv GI MIS/Foregut Surgery boasts a rich legacy of training over a dozen skilled surgeons. Our program stands out for its robust case volume, covering a diverse range of operations and techniques. The core faculty, comprised of fellowship trained experts in Bariatric Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), are dedicated to imparting their knowledge and passion for surgical education. In addition to Drs. Dan and Zografakis, the faculty complement includes Dr. Mark Pozsgay, Dr. Tyler Bedford, and Dr. Logan Mellert.
Graduating fellows from our program emerge with proficiency in both laparoscopic and robotic approaches for complex abdominal operations. The fellowship places a strong emphasis on metabolic and bariatric surgery, encompassing procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and single anastomosis duodenoileostomy. Additionally, fellows gain expertise in foregut procedures, including para-esophageal hernia repairs, Heller myotomy, and gastrectomy for malignant diseases. The curriculum extends to Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) procedures for solid organs, intestinal surgery, as well as complex abdominal all reconstruction. Fellows also benefit from exposure to a wide array of endoscopy cases, including therapeutic procedures and proficiency in interpreting high-resolution manometry studies.
Beyond the intensive operative experience. fellows actively participate in outpatient evaluations and the care of bariatric patients, dedicating an average of one day per week. Our outpatient clinics are supported by advanced practice professionals, ensuring a collaborative environment for fellows and surgeons alike. Recognizing the importance of scholarly pursuits, the Department of Surgery and our research team fully support fellows in their academic and research endeavors. Opportunities abound for fellows to engage in teaching residents and students, as well as contribute to advocacy and service through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
The faculty at our institution is unwaveringly committed to a comprehensive cognitive curriculum for metabolic/bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. Their dedication is evident through active participation in monthly didactics. These sessions cover a spectrum of topics, prominently featuring the ASMBS FELLOWs project - a nationally recognized program initiated at Summa Health. This initiative has evolved into a key educational vehicle for fellows not only across the United States but also around the globe. Our didactic schedule is thoughtfully crafted, encompassing a monthly journal club and a meeting dedicated to tracking progress in scholarly activities. Furthermore, weekly service conferences are conducted, serving as forums for the presentation of intriguing cases and discussions on relevant topics. This multifaceted didactic approach ensures a robust educational experience for our fellows. Join us at Summa Health in shaping the future of surgical excellence and education in minimally invasive surgery.