Program Summary

Virginia Mason's section of Urology offers a two-year Urologic Oncology Fellowship accredited by the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO). The first year of fellowship focuses on dedicated research with access to robust national, multi-center sets of longitudinal data. The second year consists of hands-on, direct patient care subspecialty education and training across a broad spectrum of complex urologic oncology conditions and surgical procedures.

Under the leadership and supervision of Fellowship Director Christopher Porter, MD, along with an outstanding multidisciplinary team, this opportunity focuses on graduates of urology residency interested in participating in extensive outcomes and epidemiologic research, and in obtaining expertise in the treatment of bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, testicular cancer, penile cancer, prostate cancer, and other urologic malignancies.

Eligibility

The fellow must be eligible for Washington state medical licensure. Candidates must complete and submit the SUO Fellowship online application, including:

  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Research Experience
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation, one (1) letter from the Chairman of Urology at your current program.

All USMLE Step Examinations should be completed prior to application submission. We cannot consider applicants with J1 visa status.

Curriculum

The primary goal of the Urologic Oncology Fellowship is to give the fellow the clinical and surgical skills to excel in a genitourinary oncologic career and serve as an ambassador for themselves, the profession and Virginia Mason. Specifically, the fellowship curriculum aims to teach requisite cognitive and technical aspects of urologic oncology surgery, including:

  • Understanding relevant processes, their presentation and management
  • Analysis and interpretation of radiographic data
  • Understanding the indications and contraindications for procedures
  • Quality of life in bladder cancer patients and their partners following cystectomy and urinary diversion
  • Partial nephrectomy, testicular cancer, prostate needle biopsy, and long-term radical prostatectomy surgical outcomes
  • Pre- and post-procedure care of the patient
  • Recognition and management of complications
  • Appropriate documentation and reporting
  • Appropriate communication with the patient and the multidisciplinary team
  • Research, presentation and publication in the field

How to Apply

To apply, see full details at the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Fellowship Application webpage and submit the application with all required materials. Applications must be submitted the year prior to the start of fellowship training, by the deadline posted on the SUO website.

If you have questions, please contact:

Joy Mala, MHA
Research & Academic Specialist
Joytika.Mala@virginiamason.org