Northwest Hospital offers a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery led by W. Peter Geis, M.D, F.A.C.S., a pioneer in the field of laparoscopic surgery and one of the leading laparoscopic surgeons in the country. He also heads of Northwest Hospital’s Division of Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery.
Under Dr. Geis's supervision the program performs 60-80 laparoscopic colon resections per year; 30-40 ventral incisional hernias; 50 upper GI procedures including tumors, hiatus hernias, and anti-reflux surgery, 150 bariatric cases; and 10-15 splenectomies and adrenalectomies. Laparoscopic emergency procedures (including appendictis, bowel obstruction and perforated ulcers) are common.
The Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at Northwest Hospital includes instruction in bariatric procedures; broad spectrum exposure of complex UGI, LGI, spleen, adrenal, renal, biliary, and ventral and flank hernias; and detailed pre- and postoperative decision making. The program focuses on the skills, experiences and competencies that fully trained surgeons must have in their armamentarium to be competitive in today’s surgical marketplace.
The specific areas of intense dedication are:
• Laparoscopic and retroperitoneal surgery
of the abdomen to include upper GI, colon-rectal, solid organ surgery and tumor staging
• A spectrum of surgical approaches to bariatric surgery
Expectations
Expectations for the participants should include not only the development of skills and competencies in the specific areas described 
above, but also an in-depth experience in the mature management of the full spectrum of patient care in complex and minimally invasive surgery. This includes office practice, business and financial aspects of designing and implementing clinical programs of excellence in the focused areas of surgery, and meaningful interactions with families and all other stakeholders with regard to successful outcomes. It is expected that the surgeon will also have an in-depth grasp of the concepts of adult education and the successful preceptoring of peers, and the ability to design and implement a credentialing and competence program in a Department of Surgery, and will gain experience in collaborating to influence future changes as necessary in surgical health care.
Experience
The program promotes a steady and graduated increase in responsibility at all levels of patient care and decision making. Judgment decisions, strategies and tactics to address various disease processes are emphasized in addition to technical aspects.
About the Program
• The Mastery of Complex Minimally Invasive Surgery Program is a two-year, intense, educational and clinical experience program designed for the fully trained surgeon who has completed at least a five-year residency program in Surgery.
• In 1994, Dr. Geis implemented one of the first laparoscopic surgery fellowships in the United States.
• Former fellows are directors of minimally invasive surgery at university hospitals or in
residency program hospitals, or are directors of bariatric surgery programs.
• Offering a one- or two-year fellowship affording versatility for the surgeon to maximize his or her educational experience and/or a comprehensive minimally invasive surgery program.
Conferences Include:
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Biweekly laparoscopic education conferences
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Pre-case conferences
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Post-case conferences
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Monthly clinical progress assessments
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Monthly team conferences
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Interval assessments of new technology
Skill Development
A skill development laboratory is an active part of the program. Its focus is on suturing, geometry, table-tilt, procedure strategy and technology.
To apply or request information,write to:
W. Peter Geis, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Northwest Hospital Department of Surgery
5401 Old Court Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
Phone: 410-521-5921
Fax: 410-552-4267
Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Northwest Hospital
Randallstown, Maryland
Fellowship Director:
W. Peter Geis, M.D., F.A.C.S.
