University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Health Systems
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Institution:
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University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Health Systems
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Duration of Fellowship:
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1 Year - Fully funded clinical training year
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Number of Available Fellowship Positions:
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1
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Program Director:
Program Director Email:
Associate Director:
Associate Director email address:
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John I. Lew, M.D., F.A.C.S.
[email protected]
Tanaz Vaghaiwalla, M.D., F.A.C.S.
[email protected]
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Secondary Contact Name:
Secondary Contact Title:
Secondary Contact Email:
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Maria I. Paez
[email protected]
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Address/Phone:
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Division of Endocrine Surgery
DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery
University of Miami Health System
Clinical Research Building, Suite 410 (M875)
1120 NW 14th Street
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-1280
Fax: (305) 243-4221
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Objectives of the Program:
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The Comprehensive Endocrine Surgery Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Health Systems prepares future leaders in Endocrine Surgery through rigorous, high-volume clinical training, structured scholarly activity, and individualized mentorship within a premier academic environment. Fellows gain advanced expertise in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine disease, supported by nationally recognized faculty and exceptional clinical resources. A multidisciplinary framework incorporating medical endocrinology, nuclear medicine, and endocrine pathology enhances clinical judgment and operative decision-making. Further emphasis on academic productivity, teaching, and professional development positions graduates to excel in competitive academic appointments and elite specialized endocrine surgery practices.
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Highlights of the Fellowship:
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As one of the first programs of its kind in the United States, the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Endocrine Surgery Fellowship is a high-volume, premier training program and the home of the internationally recognized Miami Criterion for intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring. Fellows gain extensive experience in thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and select neuroendocrine pancreatic and gastrointestinal tumors, participating annually in over 200 thyroid, 85 parathyroid, and 20 adrenal operations, including complex and revision cases. The program’s exceptional clinical volume allows for graded autonomy, with fellows functioning independently in both clinic and operating room, graduating fully prepared for independent endocrine surgical practice.
Trainees develop advanced skills in contemporary endocrine surgery, including minimally invasive and targeted parathyroidectomy, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, advanced thyroid and parathyroid ultrasonography, ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, thyroid cytology, and emerging techniques such as radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules. Fellows also manage complex adrenal pathology—including pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and functional adrenal disorders—through both transabdominal and minimally invasive approaches, with opportunities for expanded training in pancreatic and neuroendocrine surgery.
The fellowship emphasizes multidisciplinary, patient-centered care, with active participation in subspecialty conferences and tumor boards and close collaboration across endocrinology, nuclear medicine, pathology, and radiology. Fellows manage an independent Endocrine Surgery clinic dedicated to endocrine tumors and diseases, fostering autonomy in outpatient evaluation, longitudinal care, and operative decision-making. Graduated responsibility throughout the year ensures that fellows are fully prepared for independent practice upon completion.
Academic development is integral to the program. Fellows receive individualized mentorship and protected time for clinical, translational, or health systems research, with expectations for manuscript preparation, national presentations, and leadership growth in academic medicine, quality improvement, and professional society engagement. Fellows also serve as educators for surgical residents and medical students, preparing them to become future leaders in Endocrine Surgery.
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Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET)
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Fellows gain hands-on experience managing enteric and pancreatic NETs, typically participating in five clinical evaluations, three operative cases, and twelve case discussions per year. A bi-monthly multidisciplinary NET Tumor Board offers collaborative, team-based learning, while expanded opportunities are available under the mentorship of Tanaz Vaghaiwalla, M.D., Surgical Director of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Program and Associate Director of the Fellowship in Comprehensive Endocrine Surgery. This program ensures both in-depth clinical exposure and expert guidance in the management of complex NET patients.
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International Medical Graduates:
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International applicants with EB or H1B visas are eligible for consideration |
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American Board of Surgery:
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Fellow must be American Board of Surgery eligible or certified |
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State License Requirements:
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Yes - Florida |
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Special Considerations:
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Program Website for More Information:
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http://surgery.med.miami.edu/endocrine
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Program Twitter:
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Program Facebook:
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Previous Fellows:
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William Mendez, M.D. (2006-2007)
Professor and Chair of Surgery
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Mark Sneider, M.D. (2007-2008)
Attending Surgeon, Allina Hospitals
Minneapolis, MN
Azad A. Jabiev, M.D. (2008-2009)
Assistant Professor of Surgery
UMass/Baystate Medical Center
Jennifer Cannon, M.D. (2009-2010)
Attending Surgeon, Cone Health Medical Group
Burlington, NC
Melanie Goldfarb, M.D. (2010-2011)
Professor of Surgery, Saint John's Cancer Institute
Santa Monica, CA
Maria B. Albuja-Cruz, M.D. (2011-2012)
Associate Professor of Surgery
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Rachel Raphael, M.D. (2012-2013)
Attending Surgeon, AdventHealth Medical Group
DeLand, FL
Ashley Hodes, M.D. (2013-2014)
Attending Surgeon/Medtronic
Durham, NC
Josefina C. Farra, M.D. (2014-2015)
Associate Professor of Surgery
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Melissa LoPinto, M.D. (2015-2016)
Assistant Professor of Surgery
West Virginia University School of Medicine (Morgantown)
Eden Amdemichael, M.D. (2016-2017)
Attending Surgeon, Maryland Surgeons
Baltimore, MD
Melissa Mao, M.D. (2017-2018)
Assistant Professor of Surgery
University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
Ki Won Kim , M.D. (2018-2019)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Bryan Whitfield (2019-2020)
Attending Surgeon, Chattahoochee Surgical Group (Northside Hospital)
Cumming, GA
Mohammed W. Jeraq, M.D. (2020-2021)
Attending Surgeon, Doctors Hospital at Renassiance
McAllen, TX
Zahra F. Khan, M.D. (2021-2022)
Attending Surgeon, Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group
Delray Beach, FL
Clinton Ingersol, M.D. (2022-2023)
Assistant Professor of Surgery
SUNY Upstate Medical University
David Steinmetz, M.D. (2023-2024)
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
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