Franciscan Health System Advanced Laparoscopy Fellowship Program

Director: Dr. Eugene Cho

Associate Director: Dr. James Rifenbery

                                                                                                                                                                            

 

     Dr. Rifenbery actively participates in the Franciscan Health System Advanced Laparoscopy Fellowship Program. He is currently the Associate Director of the Fellowship Program.  Dr. Weeks and Dr. Hammer serve as clinical instructors in the Fellowship Program.  This program trains surgeons (Fellows) in the latest techniques in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.  The Fellows are fully trained surgeons who have already completed a 5-year or longer surgery residency training program.  They are eligible to enter surgical practice, but have elected to further their training in laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery.  Only the most talented and highly regarded surgeons are selected for this one year long program. 

                                 

 

     We are honored to teach these surgeons, and feel strongly that it is vital that this type of program be supported to train a new generation of Laparoscopic Surgeons.  Our participation as clinical instructors helps to keep us at the forefront of laparoscopic technique and ensures the highest diligence to each procedure.  All of this helps bring the highest quality and most contemporary surgical care to our patients.  Please be assured that your Surgeon always attends and directs all aspects of your operation.  The Fellow acts as a first assistant in surgery and performs directed portions of procedures to enhance their education.  The Fellow also participates in clinical research, hospital rounds, weekend call, and office care.  If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your Surgeon.  For more information on Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship Training please follow the following link http://www.fellowshipcouncil.org/

 

         The Fellow for this year  (July 2009 - June 2010) is Bradley Demarais, MD.  Dr. Demarais completed his undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.  He attended Medical School at the University of Iowa, receiving his M.D. degree.  He has just completed the 6 year General Surgery Residency Program at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, including a year of clinical research. 

Dr. Demarais joined us in early July of this year.  As the Laparoscopic Fellow, Dr. Demarais assists with patient care both in the hospital, the office,  and in the operating room.  He sees patients in several offices, and participates in ongoing clinical research.  He is a part of the on-call group with Drs. Rifenbery, Weeks and Hammer.  Dr. Demarais also participates in emergency room call at both St. Joseph, Tacoma General, and Allenmore Hospitals.

 

Previous Fellows:

  • Dr. Kelly Nolan (July 2005 - June 2006)  Now in  laparoscopic surgery practice in Salt Lake City, Utah.

  • Dr. Wendy Weeks (July 2006 - June 2007)  Dr. Weeks has joined us in laparoscopic surgery practice in Tacoma at the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

  • Dr. Janie Orrington-Myers (July 2007 - June 2008)  Now in laparoscopic surgery practice in Richmond, Virginia.

  • Dr. Kayvon Alizadeh (July 2008 - June 2009)  Now in laparoscopic surgery practice in Jacksonville, Florida.
     

                                                                               

  

 
Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, PLLC
(253) 572-7120

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