Fellowship in Cancer Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship is a unique program that provides comprehensive training in reconstructive procedures following oncologic resections. The duration of the program is generally 1-year but may vary depending on the institute offering the fellowship. The program includes training on topics like Breast Reconstruction, Head and Neck Reconstruction, Chest Wall & Extremity Reconstruction, etc.

A Fellowship in Cancer Reconstructive Surgery is a specialized program providing comprehensive training in reconstructive oncology. 

 It focuses on advanced techniques in microsurgery and reconstructive surgery, particularly in areas like breast, head & neck, chest wall, and extremities reconstruction.  

The eligibility criteria for a fellowship in cancer reconstructive surgery are: 

• The candidate must hold an MD/MS postgraduate or equivalent degree recognized by the Medical Council of India or the NMC.  
• 3 years post-PG teaching experience as a senior resident or equivalent post after obtaining the PG degree in the concerned discipline from an MCI / NMC recognized permitted medical institute/college. 
• DM/M.Ch. or other Equivalent Degree recognized by the Medical Council of India / National Medical Commission. 

This fellowship program lasts 1 year (Might vary across colleges). The admission process begins in the month of January. 

• Generally, the fees vary across institutions. Starting from INR 29,500 and going upto INR 80,000 for Indian students.  
• International students' fee for this course goes up to INR 1L per year. Few universities/institutes offer a stipend upti INR 90,000.  
• In institutions like AIIMS Delhi, the fees start at Rs.125/- for open candidates and Rs.1295/- for Sponsored candidates. 

• Practitioners who perform general, onco or plastic surgery make up their ranks. 
• Medical professionals require advanced training for cancer reconstructive surgery. 
• The fellowship is ideal for practitioners who want to improve their oncologic plastic and reconstructive abilities. 

There are many reasons to pursue this training program. Some of these are mentioned below: 

• The specialization requires skills to perform reconstructive surgery for patients affected by cancer. 
• Healthcare institutions need to increase their hiring of trained oncologic reconstructive surgeons to meet mounting patient demands. 
• Hospital physicians gain the chance to advance cancer care through scientific investigation and research development. 

Selection for this training program occurs without a specified exam.  

Qualified candidates who demonstrate experience/merit alongside their sponsorship status are considered. Apart from this, a few institutes might take their exams. 

To be able to enroll or take admission in this program, applicants must submit the following: 

• Certificates of qualification and experience. 
• Proof of IMA lifetime membership along with MD/MS/DM/M.Ch. certificate 
• Passport-sized photographs. 
• ID and residence proof documents. 
• DMC registration number 

The syllabus covers: 

• Breast reconstruction techniques. 
• Head and neck reconstruction surgeries. 
• Chest wall and extremity reconstruction procedures. 
• Microsurgery methods for oncologic cases 

Some leading institutes offering this fellowship include: 

• Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, New Delhi. 
• Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bangalore. 
• Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Center, Mira 
• AIIMS, Delhi 

After the training program, graduates can work as specialists in cancer hospitals, focusing on the following: 

• Research on cancer reconstruction techniques advancement 
• Establish private practices specializing in oncologic reconstructive surgeries like breast, chest wall, head & neck reconstruction.  
• Can pursue a career in advanced techniques like microsurgery, free flaps, and more 

Candidates who wish to increase their skills can earn additional fellowships or certifications in microsurgery together with surgical oncology and head-and-neck oncology. 

Career roles include: 

• Oncologic Plastic Surgeon. 
• Breast Reconstruction Specialist. 
• Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgeon. 
• Reconstructive Microsurgeon 

The salary depends on the level of experience and the location.