PH GME Subspecialty Programs - Craniofacial Surgery

Program Length/Available Positions
Program Length:  One year
First Year Positions:  One
Total Number of Positions:  One

Introduction
Providence Hospital offers a training opportunity for board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeons seeking additional experience and instruction in craniofacial surgery. The program is directed by Dr. Ian T. Jackson, internationally known for his pioneering work in this field.

The period of advanced training in craniofacial surgery is 12 months. Appointments generally begin on July 1 of each year. The fellow works almost exclusively with Dr. Jackson's team, assisting in the planning and treatment of all craniofacial cases. Fellows can expect to gain substantial experience in the diagnosis and surgical management of craniofacial deformities, congenital anomalies, traumatic facial deformities, vascular malformations and neoplasms involving the cranial base and the head and neck area. Progressive approaches to cosmetic surgery problems are a significant portion of the fellowship experience. Computer simulation in the determination and planning of surgical approach is used extensively.

In addition to surgical duties, the fellow teaches the specialty to residents in plastic surgery, is exposed to the wide range of general plastic surgery being practiced at Providence Hospital and is on call for craniofacial problems. He or she also participates in the residents' didactic program, which includes teaching
conferences, journal club, case presentations and joint teaching rounds.

Fellows are expected to pursue either new or ongoing research. Included in the later category:
- Study of the uses and potential of three-dimensional imaging in the craniofacial field.
-  Assessment of various treatment modalities in vascular malformations.
-  Use of bone replacements in craniofacial surgery.
-  Primary bone grafting in cleft lip and palate.
-  Use of absorbable mini-plates for fixation in craniofacial surgery.
-  Surgical audits e.g. Palatal fistulae, speech results in cleft palate, and quality of life after skull-base resection etc.
-  The fellow will on average present and publish 2-3 papers or chapters during his fellowship.

Application Process
Inquiries and applications for the fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery should be addressed to:
Ian T. Jackson, M.D.
Providence Hospital and Medical Centers
16001 W. Nine Mile Road
3rd Floor Fisher Center
Southfield, MI   48075
ATTN:  Craniofacial Fellowship Program
phone:  (248) 849-8052

Candidate Selection Criteria
Candidates for the craniofacial surgery fellowship must have a strong plastic surgery residency training background and be eligible for or have passed the examination of the American Board of Plastic Surgery or hold the foreign equivalent of that eligibility. A letter of recommendation from the residency program director, as well as two letters from other physicians who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications, would be appreciated. A personal statement should be included with the application indicating any special interest, qualifications or research background in craniofacial surgery. A personal interview is required for selection.

All candidates must meet the requirements of the Michigan Board of Licensing and Regulations for medical licensure. Candidates who have at least two years of residency training in an ACGME accredited program will meet the basic requirements. Foreign medical graduates who do not have U.S. citizenship must have obtain a valid JI visa.

Stipend and Benefit Package
Click here to review current stipend and benefit information.

The Fellowship - Seen through the Eyes of a Fellow
The fellowship at the Institute for Craniofacial and Reconstructive Surgery is a 12 month long period of training that will not only provide significant exposure to all facets of Craniofacial surgery, but Aesthetic, Reconstructive and general plastic surgery as well.

The center is a referral base for difficult and complex patients from centers within Michigan, the whole of the United States and often times from Europe, the Middle East, as well as South America, Africa and the Eastern block Countries.

The Fellow’s role is that of an integral member of a diverse multidisciplinary team in the treatment of pediatric and adult Craniofacial problems.

Specific duties of the fellow include:
1.       Pre-operative planning of cases with Dr. Ian T Jackson
2.       Intra-operative assistance to Dr. Ian T Jackson
3.       Post-operative management of pediatric and adult patients
4.       Fellow’s Clinic for new consultations and follow-ups

This is a busy clinical fellowship! There is significant exposure to ALL facets of pediatric craniofacial surgery (including cleft lip and palate, as well as Syndromic and Non-Syndromic diagnoses). The adult experience is overwhelming in the diversity of cases one becomes exposed to over this short 12 month period.  These include benign and malignant lesions of the skull base, extensive exposure to secondary cleft problems, Fibrous Dysplasia and Neurofibromatosis, and perhaps one of the most challenging problems one will encounter in their career, that of Vascular Malformations including high and low flow arterial, venous, lymphatic, and mixed malformations. A fellow will partake in approximately 650 clinical cases over the year.

The research component of the fellowship program is one that is perhaps one of the hidden gems of the training year. A fellow will typically present on average at 5-10 regional, national and international meetings. They will also finish the year with a number of first second and third author publications. 

There are many visitors from local, regional and international programs over the course of the year. Furthermore, one plastic surgery resident is also part of the craniofacial surgery service at all times. A multidisciplinary unit is available for the support and planning of all patients that pass through the institute. Dr. Jackson’s team includes a well established nursing team, a full time social worker, pediatric intensivists, as well as a myriad of support personnel.

On a personal note, this is a clinically demanding fellowship that leaves you wanting more at its completion. Autonomy in and out of the operating room is based on progressive clinical performance. A strong base in principles of plastic and reconstructive surgery is a must for a successful year.


Program Director
Ian T. Jackson, M.D.
Program Director -Craniofacial Fellowship Program
Providence Hospital and Medical Centers
16001 W. Nine Mile Road
3rd Floor Fisher Center
Southfield, MI   48075
(248) 849-8052