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About the Program

The Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Oncology Fellowship at UAB is a one-year multidisciplinary clinical program and is managed by the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Surgery Division of Surgical Oncology. This fellowship will enable the fellow to acquire an advanced body of knowledge and level of skill in the management of all aspects of benign and malignant breast disease in order to become a leader in the field. This comprehensive approach includes screening, risk assessment, prevention strategies, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and research all in one location.

The UAB Breast Health Center has earned full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). In 2015, the UAB BHC received a Women's Choice Award, being named one of America's Best Breast Centers, acknowledging the UAB Breast Health Center's dedication to exceptional patient care and treatment.

Clinical Rotations

The one-year training program includes core rotations based on the Society of Surgical Oncology suggested curriculum. The rotation schedule includes: Breast Surgery, Medical Oncology, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention/Cancer Genetics, Radiation Oncology, Breast Imaging, Pathology, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Community Outreach, Supportive Care and dedicated Research time.

Research

The fellowship includes dedicated time for clinical research and learning the principles of conducting research at the clinical investigation level. To this end, the fellow will also complete formal training in the responsible conduct of research through the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (funded via an NIH Center for Translational Science Award). At the completion of the fellowship, the fellow is expected to have at least one manuscript ready for publication prior to completing the fellowship. The fellow will have the benefit of the resources and collaborative opportunities afforded from the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). The UAB CCC is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Alabama and the Deep South and was one of the first eight centers to receive this prestigious designation from the NCI nearly 40 years ago. In addition, the UAB CCC is member of the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium, a national group of 16 research centers that conducts innovative, high-impact clinical trials in breast cancer.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should apply through the interview and match process of the Society of Surgical Oncology.

Contact Information

Program Director:

Catherine Parker, M.D.
Email: ccparker@uabmc.edu

Associate Program Director:

Rachael Lancaster, M.D.
Email: rlancaster@uabmc.edu

Program Coordinator:

Irene Davis
Phone: (205) 975-5477
Fax: (205) 975-5971
Email: irenedavis@uabmc.edu

Address:

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery
512 Boshell Diabetes Building
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0012

Current Fellow

  • Zmijewski, Polina, M.D.
    Zmijewski, Polina, M.D.

    Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

    Residency: Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital