As part of the largest medical school in the United States, the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine consists of eight divisions, including surgical oncology, acute care surgery, general surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, transplantation surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery. More than 120 faculty members help mentor 100 residents and fellows each academic year who are pursuing specialized training.

Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship

Located within the Division of Surgical Oncology, the breast surgery section consists of five faculty members who practice at four hospitals in the greater Indianapolis area: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, IU Health West Hospital, IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center (at the IU Health North Hospital), and the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital downtown. Fellows will rotate through all four sites gaining exposure to a unique blend of community and academic practices..

Surgical Fellowship in Indianapolis

Physicians who seek subspecialty training in breast surgical oncology can learn more about IU School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education program, including details on stipends, benefits, policies and more.

Office of GME

Hospitals

University Hospital/IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Located in downtown Indianapolis on the IUPUI campus, the University Hospital and IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center are located on the main campus of the medical school. The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is Indiana’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center that provides patient care and is one of only 70 in the nation. The NCI-designated Cancer Centers Program recognizes centers around the country that meet rigorous criteria for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research. These centers put significant resources into developing research programs, faculty, and facilities that will lead to better approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

IU West Hospital

Located approximately 8 miles west of downtown in the city of Avon, the West hospital is a 127-bed hospital with a comprehensive breast program. The breast program consists of medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and fellowship-trained radiologists. The breast surgery clinic is staffed with a physician assistant, RN navigator, and numerous other support staff and programs to provide a personal experience for the patients seen at this community hospital affiliated with the academic program

IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center (IU Health North Hospital)

Located approximately 13 miles north of downtown in the city of Carmel, IU Health North Hospital is a 170-bed hospital. The Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center completed construction and opened to patients in January 2020. Under one roof, the center offers surgical, medical, and radiation oncology spaces, as well as infusion rooms and support services including a pharmacy and laboratory. The Schwarz is also home to Integrative Health and Wellness Center to offer programs including art, music, and yoga that benefit patients and their caregivers. The breast program is located in this brand new state-of-the-art facility.

Eskenazi Health

Eskenazi Hospital’s rich history dates back to 1855. In 2010, a replacement facility constructed just west of the original 10th Street location on the IUPUI campus was started. In 2011, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi donated $40 million for the new hospital, which opened downtown in December 2013. Eskenazi provides nearly 1 million outpatient visits per year at facilities both on and off the main campus.

It serves as Indiana’s oldest and largest public health care system caring for all of the people of Marion County proving care for many under- and uninsured patients in the region. With a comprehensive breast program, including IU radiologists and medical oncologists, patients have access to numerous clinical trials and social work programs. Home to the Palliative Care fellowship, Eskenazi provides a weekly lecture series on these topics which will be part of the breast fellowship program.

Curriculum

The didactic syllabus will be completed in both individual and group settings and include teaching from faculty in multiple curricula. As a unique, competency-based curriculum, fellows have the opportunity to fulfill SSO-requirements while developing concrete skills for practice in whichever setting they may choose.

Clinical Exposure

Rotations include medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, plastic surgery, pathology, physical therapy, palliative care, psycho-onology, and genetics with world-class and engaged educators. Housed within a Department known for innovation in surgical education, our Breast Surgical Oncology fellow will also have access to teaching opportunities within the OR, classroom, and state-of-the-art simulation center.

Research

With access to the Regenstrief Institute and Center for Outcomes Research, fellows will have ample opportunities to learn about clinical trial design, IRB submission, data acquisition, and have the ability to present their research at both the local and national level. The breast section developed a breast cancer database that is also accessible to the fellow with additional access to research development and statistical support.

Faculty

Carla S. Fisher, MD, MBA

Associate Professor of Surgery

Read Bio

For More Information

If you have any questions or need assistance with more information please contact Stacy Faletic, the Breast Surgery Fellowship Coordinator or call 317-274-4606.