Overview
The University of Utah Department of Surgery is pleased to offer a 2-year Surgical Education Research Fellowship (UU-SERF) program for surgical residents interested in a career focused on education. We are now accepting applications for a fellow to begin the program in July 2025, with anticipated completion in June 2027!
Surgical residents who have completed at least 2 years of an ACGME-accredited training program (by the time of matriculation in the UU-SERF program) are eligible to apply. This includes sub-specialty residency programs such as (but not limited to) cardiothoracic surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, urology, and vascular surgery. The fellow is notified of acceptance 6 months before the start of the program to ensure adequate time to apply for an MHPE program – due date April 15, 2025- and establish a personalized research and career development plan. On-site and remote options are available.
Required Information
- A current curriculum vitae (CV).
- List two references with contact information who are familiar with your performance as a surgical trainee and/or research experience.
- A statement of interest answering the following three questions:
1. What motivates you to pursue a fellowship in surgical education, and how does it align with your long-term career goals in the field of surgery? Guidelines: Please provide a detailed response (500-700 words) that outlines your passion for surgical education, any relevant experiences that have shaped your interest, and how this fellowship will contribute to your professional aspirations.
2. Describe a specific instance where you played a significant role in surgical education, such as developing a curriculum, mentoring trainees, or conducting educational research. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from this experience? Guidelines: In your response (300-500 words), focus on your role, the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and the impact of your efforts on learners or the educational environment.
3. How do you plan to contribute to the growth and development of the surgical education fellowship program? Identify specific areas where you believe you can make a meaningful impact. Guidelines: Please elaborate (300-500 words) on your unique skills, perspectives, or ideas that you would bring to the fellowship. Consider areas such as curriculum development, research, mentorship, or community engagement.
SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS BY DECEMBER 30, 2024 to:
Programs Manager, Nancy Nelson
nancy.nelson@hsc.utah.edu.
Notification of acceptance will be provided no later than January 25, 2025
Masters of Education in Health Professions
Upon acceptance into the University of Utah's Surgical Education Research Fellowship, candidates will enjoy exposure to the full range of education domains, including curriculum development, learner assessment, program evaluation, and leadership, focusing on research and innovation. The local curriculum, which includes one-on-one faculty mentorship and peer support, is augmented by a Master of Health Professions Education program. Prior fellows have been accepted to the University of Illinois – Chicago MHPE; however, candidates will now be accepted into the Masters of Education in Health Professions program at the University of Utah upon application. Fellows are also encouraged and supported to establish and grow their network of surgical education colleagues through participation in local, regional, and national societies, such as the Association for Surgical Education.
The MEHP program is fully funded by the University of Utah's Department of Surgery's Office of Surgical Education and will be completed in tandem with the fellowship.
Important Dates
December 30, 2024
Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
U of U MEPH Deadline