Program Background:

The Department of Thoracic Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine offers a three-month fellowship for trained residents and fellows from abroad seeking experience in thoracic surgical oncology.

Program Purpose:

The fellowship provides advanced clinical training in thoracic surgery, focusing on oncological procedures, with personalized mentorship.

Target Group:

For trained residents and fellows aiming to expand their expertise in thoracic surgical oncology.

Department of Thoracic Surgery:

· One of the busiest and top-ranked thoracic surgery centers in China.

· Ranked among the top 10 centers nationwide last year.

· Offers comprehensive experience in all areas of thoracic surgery.

Location – Hangzhou:

· Capital of Zhejiang Province, located between Shanghai and Ningbo.

· Historically significant as the southern terminus of the Grand Canal.

· A city blending ancient culture with modern attractions.

· Retains traditional charm in art, architecture, and music.

· Advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques

· Hands-on training in gastroesophageal anastomosis

· Comprehensive complications management

· Direct mentorship from experienced surgeons

· Access to state-of-the-art surgical equipment and facilities

· Case-based learning with real patient scenarios

The objective of the rotation is to experience the function of a complex thoracic surgery department. Most importantly, the observer will review and understand the principles of management of different thoracic malignancies.

The program provides a full-time, 3-month training experience. In special circumstances, arrangements can be made for other lengths of training depending on your needs and interests.

Fellows:

Candidates must be graduates of a recognized foreign medical school and have completed a general surgery residency training program in their country. The candidate must also be interested and committed to expanding his/her expertise in Thoracic Surgery.

· VATS/Robotic Lung Resection (Standard 3 port, Uniport)

· VATS/Robotic Esophageal Resections

· VATS/Robotic Mediastinal Tumor Resection (Thymectomy)

· EBUS–TBNA

· Navigational Bronchoscopy

· CT-Guided Lung Nodule Biopsy

· CT-Guided Hook-Wire Localization of Small Pulmonary Nodule

· Research Laboratory for Thoracic Surgery

Monday

1st Week: Introduction & Welcome, Program Overview and Objectives

Weekly: Esophageal Surgery Training, Bronchoscopy Training, Robotic Surgery

Tuesday

Weekly: Surgery Training, Bronchoscopy Training

Biweekly: Mentor One-on-one Training

Wednesday

Weekly: Outpatient Observation, Clinical Rounds

Biweekly: Esophageal Surgery Training

Thursday

Weekly: Complicated Case Study, Case-based Discussion, Esophageal MDT Conferences

Friday

Weekly: Journal Club, Clinical Rounds, Clinical Skills Training, Special Task Training

Last Week: Wrap-up & Reflection, Participant Presentations or Discussion of Key Takeaways, Feedback Session (e.g. online survey or live Q&A)

Evaluation Process:
Each faculty member evaluates fellows based on core competencies:

· Patient care

· Medical knowledge

· Practice-based learning and improvement

· Interpersonal and communication skills

· Professionalism

· System-based practice

Feedback and Evaluation:

Faculty meet individually with fellows for verbal feedback and evaluation.

Bronchoscopy Competence:

· Technical competence is assessed through:

    Evaluation forms

    A simulator laboratory

    A semiannual skills assessment program

Clinical Progress Evaluation:

Monthly, the clinical competency faculty committee conducts an aggregate evaluation of each fellow’s clinical progress.

The program is free of charge.