Fellowship Program Overview

Despite great advances in cancer research and treatment, cancer patients are still most commonly and effectively treated with surgery. Sixty percent of cancer patients are treated surgically, and around 90% of all cancers are diagnosed and staged using surgery. However, in many ways, surgery is also the least standardized intervention.

According to the Society of Surgical Oncology, there are only 2,000 active members. In contrast, the American Society of Clinical Oncology has 20,000 members, of which only a fraction list surgical oncology as their primary specialty. Cancer patients are treated by general surgeons without the specialized training necessary to make successful surgical decisions.

The John Wayne Cancer Institute is one of the most comprehensive centers for advanced training in surgical oncology in the United States. The exceptional combination of disciplines and facilities provided by the JWCI Surgical Oncology Fellowship program, in addition to JWCI’s setting in a community hospital, allows each Fellow to have a synergistic learning experience between the laboratory and the clinic. The goal of the program is to increase the forces battling melanoma, breast, and other serious cancers.

Our Surgical Oncology Fellowship program, one of only 16 centers in the U.S. approved by the Society of Surgical Oncology, is led by Donald L. Morton, M.D. Over the past three decades, JWCI’s faculty has trained over 100 surgical oncologists in clinical translational research and Dr. Morton is considered one of the founders and major advocates of academic surgical oncology.

JWCI fellows train in all major areas of cancer treatment. Training not only includes surgery but also experience in medical and radiation oncology. The program goes even further by including a course of research to sharpen critical thinking skills and contribute to progress in basic science. The program comprises one or two years of basic science laboratory research and one year of clinical translational research.

Most importantly, JWCI’s program grooms its trainees to establish their own laboratories and clinical translational research programs after they graduate. The number of graduates who are now academic surgical oncologists (many have become Chiefs of Surgical Oncology), as well as their numerous contributions to academic surgical oncology reflects the success of JWCI’s Surgical Oncology Fellowship program.

In addition, our fellows have received competitive awards from prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health. They have participated in groundbreaking research, presented their findings at national and international meetings, published their work in national journals, they are learning the latest surgical techniques and treatments in the clinic and, most importantly, they treat our patients with dignity and respect. They truly are the next generation of surgical oncologists – they are on the forefront and will make great strides against this terrible disease.

Arguments for Advanced Surgical Oncology Training

• Around 90% of cancer cases involve surgery as part of the diagnosis or treatment
• There is a shortage of cancer surgeons who meet the criteria of the Society of Surgical Oncology
• General surgeons are not trained in the latest surgical oncology advances – this affects patient care
• General surgeons are not trained in laboratory research to investigate new surgical therapies

Quick Facts About JWCI’s Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program

• JWCI is one of only 16 centers approved by the Society of Surgical Oncology.
• JWCI’s program EXCEEDS the criteria set forth by the Society of Surgical Oncology.
• JWCI’s program integrates clinical and basic science research with a focus on translational research.
• JWCI fellows complete clinical rotations and have an opportunity to participate in laboratory research.
• JWCI fellows are trained to present work at national meetings, to write and submit scientific manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals and are encouraged to apply for major grant funding.
• JWCI fellows work one on one with members of JWCI’s faculty, who are world leaders in cancer research and surgical oncology.
• JWCI fellows go on to hold prominent positions and make major contributions at major cancer centers and universities.