Advanced hands-on training in laparoscopic surgery is offered by Cleveland Clinic’s Department of General Surgery under the preceptorship of Matthew Kroh, MD. The goal of the program is to help practicing physicians:

• Improve proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of patients requiring laparoscopic surgery
• Learn the appropriate criteria for selecting patients that may benefit from surgical intervention and thus improve surgical outcomes
• Learn innovative laparoscopic strategies and techniques

The curriculum of the four-week program includes observation, didactic sessions and lab work followed by outpatient experience and hands-on surgical training under the direct supervision of the preceptor.

Learning goals in the outpatient clinic include:

• Patient evaluation
• Patient selection

Learning goals in the operating room include hands-on training in techniques of minimal incision laparoscopic surgery including:

• Foregut and bariatric surgery
• Enteral access including laparoscopic G- and J-tubes
• Inguinal and ventral hernia repair
• Splenectomy
• Adrenalectomy
• Liver tumor ablation/laparoscopic ultrasonography
• Laparoscopic colon surgery
• Surgical flexible endoscopy
• Antireflux surgery

Please note: Case volume is estimated and may vary depending on scheduling and staff availability.

• Be board-certified or board-eligible general surgeons who routinely perform basic laparoscopic procedures 
• Be licensed in the state of Ohio or eligible to apply for a Special Activities Permit from the Ohio State Medical Board 
• Have practicing privileges in their parent institution 
• Provide a statement of goals and expectations, along with the application