The specialty of vascular surgery addresses a diverse set of patients and problems, using a variety of specialized technologies. The components of vascular surgery include: (1) diagnosis and management of vascular diseases, including medical management; (2) non-invasive vascular laboratory (ultrasound and other imaging technologies); (3) endovascular diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; (4) traditional open surgical procedures; and (5) surgical critical care.

Residents and fellows at UC Davis have access to state-of-the-art imaging suites, superb vascular laboratory capabilities, specialized nursing and other support staff. Clinical work, research, and education programs all follow the UC Davis Vascular Center's integrated model of multi-disciplinary collaboration.

The UC Davis Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery fellowship in vascular surgery is a (5+2) program, accredited by the Accreditation Counsel for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This two-year program accepts one fellow each year, with the first position opening July 1, 2011.

Curriculum

Fellows' training is at the UC Davis Medical Center and in the facilities of the affiliated VA Northern California Health System. The program offers broad and robust experience with complex open, endovascular, and hybrid procedures; vascular laboratory and imaging; vascular medicine; and clinical research opportunities.

First Year

The first-year fellow's clinical experience is based at the affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs NCHCS facilities, primarily at the Sacramento VA Medical Center at Mather. Elective time--up to six months--may be at the David Grant USAF Medical Center, a joint partner in the Northern California Federal Vascular Surgery service.

The fellow is responsible for the pre- and post-operative care of VA patients undergoing open surgical and endovascular diagnostic and interventional procedures. The fellow works with first, second, and third year residents in surgery. The fellow's role is substantial, as the VA service does not include a general surgery chief resident.

The vascular surgery fellow learns to interpret non-invasive vascular laboratory studies. The vascular laboratory training includes experiences at the UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC), and the curriculum includes didactic and practical components, including learning hands-on performance of studies. The RPVI examination is completed at the end of the first year. The first-year fellow may perform some elective procedures at UCDMC, including endovenous ablation procedures, microphlebectomy and other venous procedures, and will has some experience with trauma and vascular emergencies during weekends on call.

The first-year vascular fellow will attend the five-day UCLA "Comprehensive Review and Update of What's New in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery" course for education in basic science, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of the broad spectrum of vascular disorders. Weekly conferences, regular journal clubs, research projects, and simulation-based training are part of the fellow's first year of training. Opportunities for participation in other educational programs are available.

Second Year

The focus of the second year vascular surgery fellow is at the UC Davis Medical Center on UC Davis' Sacramento campus. The majority of the year is on the vascular surgery service, for which the fellow has primary responsibility. The vascular surgery service includes four junior-level general surgery residents (third year or below) and rotating medical students. It is supported by dedicated vascular nursing team, including a inpatient coordinator, and outpatient staff that include resource nurses, a triage nurse, and procedure support staff. In line with the collaborative practice model of the UC Davis Vascular Center, the fellowship also includes one-month rotations on the interventional radiology and and interventional cardiology services.

The UCDMC inpatient facility includes a sophisticated hybrid operating room, operating rooms with integrated advanced technologies, interventional suites, and a busy vascular laboratory. The modern Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion also offers a library, fitness center, call rooms, dining and support facilities for housestaff. The outpatient Vascular Center clinic provides vascular specialty services five days a week, including support for venous interventions and other outpatient procedures.

The UCDMC vascular surgery service provides care to patients referred from throughout the UC Davis Health System's Primary Care Network. It also serves as a regional referral center for care of patients from throughout northern and central California and northern Nevada.

Please feel free to contact the program director, David L. Dawson, MD, for additional information or to discuss specific questions.