University of Michigan (Michigan Medicine)

Address: 1515 E. Hospital Drive, G1100 Towsley Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Areas of Focus: Head & Neck Oncology & Microvascular Surgery Fellowship

Program Director:  Dr. Brent Ward, DDS, MD, FACS, FACD
Program Co-Director:

Contact Email Address(es): Ronelle Coffey talagar@med.umich.edu

Website: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/surgery/surgical-specialties/oral-maxillofacial-surgery-hospital-dentistry/training/oncologymicrovascular-surgery-fellowship

Phone: 734-232-6048

Accreditation Status: CODA Accredited

Enrollment: 1

Duration of Fellowship:  1 year

Required Application Materials:

  • A copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.

  • A letter of intent including any prior experience and plans for utilization of the training experience.

  • Two letters of reference:  one from a colleague or mentor and one from either your residency chairman or program director.

  • Additional supplemental materials (please contact the program coordinator)

Eligibility Requirements: The fellowship is open to US and Canadian dental school graduates who have completed a CODA approved residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, regardless of professional degree(s). We are unable to consider any foreign applicants.

Summary of Program: Michigan Medicine is national leader in health care highly ranked among hospitals by US News and World Report. Its training programs are at the core of its mission. It is a center recognized for excellence across all fields of surgery. The goal of the Oral/Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Surgery Fellowship program is to train an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the oncology patient. This training includes the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of patients with benign and malignant lesions of the head and neck.

In addition to learning techniques of ablation, reconstruction, and evaluation, the fellow participates in a variety of educational and multidisciplinary conferences. These experiences occur within the OMFS department and with other departments not limited to, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pathology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics. Microsurgical training is provided in the University of Michigan OMFS Microsurgery Training Center with a dedicated surgeon trainer with over 30 years’ experience in successfully training microsurgeons.

The fellow participates in tumor boards and works with a full multidisciplinary team outside of the department as well as enjoys support within the OMFS department including a dedicated oncology nurse and two nurse practitioners committed to the inpatient and outpatient care of the head and neck oncology patient. This unique environment allows the fellow to be highly focused on the educational mission of the fellowship rather than service needs of non-educational value.

The program is one year in duration. The requirements for off service rotations are determined by the director of the fellowship program based on the background of the fellowship candidate prior to admission.

The fellowship has successfully trained individuals to become academic and private practice Oral/Head & Neck surgeons who continue to practice successfully in their chosen subspecialty across the nation. Fellows have consistently contributed to peer reviewed literature as a springboard to academic success.

The program welcomes applications from outstanding candidates to continue its more than 20-year tradition in training the leaders and best.