Program Overview
The Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson is pleased to offer an International Research Fellowship in Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery and Surgical Oncology designed for highly motivated physicians seeking advanced academic training in surgical research.
The Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Arizona includes a multidisciplinary faculty of 14 surgeons, comprising of five hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeons, two colorectal surgeons, and seven faculty specializing in endocrine, breast, melanoma, and sarcoma surgery. The division provides comprehensive expertise in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies, including breast cancer, thyroid and other endocrine cancers, melanoma and other skin cancers, abdominal and extremity sarcomas, and gastrointestinal malignancies such as pancreatic, liver, and colorectal cancers.
The program is an integral part of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Arizona. Our institution holds accreditation from the Commission on Cancer, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancer (NAPBC), and the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). Additionally, the National Pancreas Foundation has recognized our center as a Clinical and Academic Center of Excellence for both pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. These distinctions are awarded only to institutions that meet the highest standards of multidisciplinary, patient-centered, and evidence-based oncologic care.
This fellowship provides immersive exposure to clinical research, outcomes research, translational investigation, and academic surgery within a high-volume tertiary academic center. Fellows will work closely with faculty mentors on impactful research projects with the goal of producing peer-reviewed publications, national presentations, and meaningful academic development.
Duration: 1-2 years
Positions Available: Variable annually
Start Dates: Rolling
Visa Sponsorship: J-1 Research Scholar sponsorship available
Stipend: Fellows may receive a stipend, subject to availability of program funding and institutional approval.
The fellowship will provide exposure to a broad spectrum of research domains including HPB and surgical oncology outcomes, pancreatic and liver malignancies, robotic and minimally invasive techniques, frailty and geriatric oncology, healthcare disparities, database-driven investigations, artificial intelligence and radionics, prospective clinical registries, and translational or laboratory-based research. Fellows will also have opportunities to participate in multi-institutional collaborative studies and contribute to grant development and protocol design.
The program structure emphasizes comprehensive research engagement through participation in retrospective database studies, prospective data collection, and, when applicable, translational or laboratory-based projects.
Fellows will be involved in multi-institutional collaborations, grant writing, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings through conference presentations, with the expectation of active scholarly productivity throughout the fellowship.
Fellows will participate in the academic activities of the Department of Surgery, including departmental Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality conferences, journal clubs, research meetings, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and preoperative case discussions.
Additional exposure to research methodology through structured didactics will further support their academic and professional development.
Fellows will receive training in essential research skills including study design, database management, and foundational biostatistics, along with scientific writing and the conduct of trials.
The program will also provide experience in protocol development, multi-institutional collaboration, grant writing, and regulatory processes such as IRB submission and compliance.
Fellows are expected to demonstrate strong scholarly productivity, including submission of multiple manuscripts and presentation of abstracts at national or international meetings.
Active engagement in ongoing projects, participation in collaborative research efforts, and contribution to grant development, when applicable, are integral components of the fellowship expectations.
Required: - Medical degree completed - USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 - English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/OET) - Demonstrated interest in research - Proof of adequate financial support for J-1 visa sponsorship, any accompanying dependents (if applicable) - Health insurance coverage meeting institutional and federal requirements for the entire duration of the program | Preferred: - Prior research experience - Statistical software familiarity (SPSS, STATA, R) - Reference management tools (EndNote, Zotero) - AI tool familiarity - Publications/presentations |
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement
- USMLE transcripts
- Medical school diploma
- English proficiency scores
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
Selected candidates will be invited for interview.
Contact us
Faisal Jehan, MD
Assistant Professor, Surgical Oncology
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine - Tucson
fjehan@arizona.edu