Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Florida Weston Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency program at Cleveland Clinic Florida offers a robust training experience with a strong clinical and research-oriented focus. This one-year ACGME-accredited residency accepts five positions annually, participating in the National Residency Matching Program. The program emphasizes both patient care and surgical skill development across the spectrum of colorectal diseases.

Patient and Surgical Volume

The department has a significant patient volume, seeing over 5,000 patients each year and performing more than 2,000 surgeries annually. Residents benefit from the expertise of a well-established faculty of six full-time, board-certified colorectal surgeons. The training includes both outpatient and inpatient responsibilities and covers a diverse array of procedures in colorectal surgery.

Training Facilities

Residents are trained in various settings, including a dedicated colorectal clinic where common procedures such as rubber band ligation, external hemorrhoid excision, and colonoscopies are performed. The department is equipped with advanced technology, including a full anal physiology lab, performing around 60-75 colonoscopies weekly, most being therapeutic.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency schedule consists of thirteen 4-week rotations to ensure comprehensive exposure to clinical practice. Educational conferences are a central element of the curriculum, integrating a variety of learning formats such as:

• Core Curriculum Conference – A weekly lecture presented by experts in the field
• Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings – Discussing complex cases
• Journal Club – Monthly presentations by residents
• Combined Training Conferences with the University of Miami – Fostering collaborative learning

Additional learning opportunities include mortality and morbidity discussions, live inflammatory bowel disease conferences, and participation in the Annual International Colorectal Disease Symposium.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Research is heavily emphasized, with residents encouraged to engage in various projects presented at national conferences. This exposure prepares trainees for academic leadership roles in their future careers. With numerous resources available for research support, residents can access an extensive IRB-approved database containing decades of colorectal surgical data.

Application Process

The application process for the Colon and Rectal Surgery residency utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Clinical graduates from ACGME accredited programs are preferred, and applicants must pass USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 and 2 on the first attempt.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants, fostering a diverse learning environment.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

This residency is highly competitive, with most selected applicants showing strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to the field of colorectal surgery. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are encouraged to apply, although certain prerequisites, such as U.S. clinical experience and necessary licensure, must be met.

Benefits

Residents enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, health insurance options, educational conference reimbursement, and a structured wellness program to combat residency-related stress. Cleveland Clinic Florida offers a supportive environment dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its residents.