Currently few, if any, laparoscopic bariatric surgery training opportunities exist that bridge the gap between introductory training and actual clinical practice. This mini-fellowship provides a focused and concentrated training experience under the preceptorship of Philip R. Schauer, MD, and Stacy Brethauer, MD.

As a qualified general surgeon, you will achieve baseline competency (not necessarily proficiency) in laparoscopic bariatric surgery in order to begin a safe clinical and operative practice.

This mini-fellowship also will give you with a basic understanding of preoperative and postoperative management concepts.

Based on your individual needs, you can choose from the following course options:

One-week Freshen-Up Course* 

• Scrub in for eight to 12 bariatric procedures 
• Spend one day in clinic 
• Manage eight to 12 pre/postoperative patients 
• Manage eight to 12 inpatients 
• Attend one hour of didactic conference 
• Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics

*To attend this course, you must have completed more than 100 bariatric surgery cases.

Two-week Course 

• Scrub in for 15-20 bariatric procedures 
• Spend two days in clinic 
• Manage 15 to 20 pre/postoperative patients 
• Manage 15 to 20 inpatients 
• Attend four hours of didactic conference 
• Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics

Four-week Course 

• Scrub in for 30-35 bariatric procedures 
• Spend four days in clinic 
• Manage 30 to 35 pre/postoperative patients 
• Manage 30 to 35 inpatients 
• Attend six hours of didactic conference 
• Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics

Six- to Eight-week Course 

• Scrub in for 50-55 bariatric procedures 
• Spend six days in clinic 
• Manage 50 to 55 pre/postoperative patients 
• Manage 50 to 55 inpatients 
• Attend eight to 10 hours of didactic conference 
• Cover bariatric operative and perioperative management topics

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

Applicants must: 

• Be licensed in the state of Ohio or eligible to obtain a Special Activities Permit from the Ohio State Medical Board 
• Be board-certified or board-eligible in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery 
• Have completed an ACGME-approved residency in General Surgery 
• Have experience in advanced laparoscopy including but not limited to laparoscopic fundoplication, colectomy, splenectomy and hernia repair 
• Have practicing privileges in their home institutions

It is highly recommended but not required that applicants have:

• Experience in laparoscopic suturing techniques and flexible endoscopy 
• Experience in open bariatric surgery 
• Completed a laparoscopic fellowship

One week: $5,000
Two weeks: $10,000
Four weeks: $20,000
Six to eight weeks: $30,000

The first step is to complete and submit this pre-application form. 

Our office will contact you shortly thereafter.