What to Expect

We highlight our large clinical volume and the mix of laparoscopic and open procedures including re-operative bariatric and foregut surgery. Fellows will be supported by a junior resident and two mid-level providers (ARNP and PA) in addition to a full inter-disciplinary team including a bariatrician, dietitian, psychologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, and endocrinologist.

This Fellowship Provides

• Comprehensive training in the surgical management of obesity and complex GI disorders.
• The bariatric portion of the fellowship will focus on laparoscopic and robotic gastric bypass and sleeve, along with duodenal switch.
• Our program is versed in complex endoscopy and bariatric endoscopy.
• The other portion of the fellowship will be dedicated to Advanced GI surgery, specifically foregut, esophageal, hernia, and surgical endoscopy such as POEM.
• There were be a section of the Fellowship dedicated to esophageal motility disorders, where you will work with one of the leaders in the field to master manometry, pH studies, and swallow studies deepening your knowledge of foregut pathology.
• Strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based outcomes and clinical research.
• The fellows will participate in all aspects of in- and out-patient care and the daily running of a busy clinical practice and are expected to participate in quality improvement projects and the MBSAQIP.
• In addition, the fellows are expected to participate in clinical research projects based on our large prospective database and to present their data at national meetings.

Special Features of this Fellowship

We have a systemic approach to case assignment where in the fellow does near all gastric bypass procedures over the course of a year.

• The fellow will work in close relation with the residents in regard to complex laparoscopic operations and sleeve gastrectomies.
• The fellow will advance and move into a teaching assistant role over the course of the year.
• The fellow will supervise care of all patients on the service in addition to 'staffing' residents on 'select' general surgery procedures.-974-8364
• The fellows are on home call for our service only and do not cross-cover any other services. Night call is covered by residents on the 'night float team'.
• The fellows are expected to participate in educating medical students and training residents as part of their scholarly activities.
• There fellow will also host a bariatric/foregut meeting with a predetermined curriculum.
• Another feature of our fellowship is our ability to tailor research opportunities based on the Fellows' interest and previous experience

State of the Art Training Centers  

• Tampa General Hospital, our training affiliate is named #1 hospital in Tampa Bay by the US News & World Report.

• The Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) the largest simulation training center in the USA., includes a virtual OR, animate labs, 4 robotic training stations and advanced training facilities. 

• The TGH & USF Health Bariatric Center is a 6,000 sq. ft. one-stop care clinic for metabolic surgery and weight management. The center provides an extraordinary patient experience and enhances training of Fellows and other learners. The center will house an inter-disciplinary as well the outpatient clinic and research activities, with great emphasis placed on communication and team building. 

Upon completion of training, fellows will be able to establish and build comprehensive programs for the treatment of obesity and minimally invasive surgery. Fellows will learn leadership skills and business development and communication skills so they will become effective leaders in their field.

Contact Information

Dr. Christopher DuCoin
Director of Bariatric Surgery Chief, Section of Bariatric and MIS Surgery
Harbourside Medical Tower 5 Tampa General Circle, Suite 410
Tampa, FL 33606
cducoin@usf.edu

For program inquiries please contact: 

Sean Gill
sgill2@usf.edu

(813) 974-8364