Description

Carle Foundation Hospital in Collaboration with Carle Illinois College of Medicine is offering one-year post-graduate training in the field of Hepato-pancreato-Biliary Surgery. We are currently recognized as ACGME non-standard training program, and we will be applying for Fellowship Council accreditation.

The HPB Clinical Innovation Fellowship at Carle Health and Carle Illinois College of Medicine of the University of Illinois (the first engineering based medical school) focuses on training future leaders in HPB surgery through incorporating cutting-edge advancements in augmented reality, simulation, and related technologies in the clinical training.

Under the direction of Dr. Claudius Conrad MD PhD PhD, this fellowship program integrates complex robotic and laparoscopic HPB cases with engineering-based solutions to train future HPB innovators. This fellowship program is based at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

Upon completion of the fellowship, fellows will be able to independently perform complex minimally invasive and open HPB operations while having a deep understanding of the perioperative care, as well as be equipped with the tools to advance the field as a leader.

Interested candidates please email your application packet in one PDF file. Application deadline is Dec 31st.  Selected applicant will begin training in Aug 2026.

Clinical and Research Components:

• Perform clinical duties
• Engage in multidisciplinary clinical conferences, tumor boards, and research conferences
• Research opportunities range from basic science, engineering based translational research, to outcomes studies and is supported by substantial intramural and NIH funding in collaboration with the Cancer Center at Illinois
• Participate in ongoing basic and clinical research endeavors, with a focus on translational applications

Minimally Invasive Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery Innovation Fellowship

Shaping the Future of HPB Surgery Through Advanced Techniques, AI Integration, and Medical Innovation

The HPB Innovation Fellowship at Carle Health, in collaboration with the Carle Illinois College of Medicine (CIMED)—the world's first engineering-based medical school—offers a transformative training experience at the forefront of surgical innovation. This unique fellowship blends elite clinical training with groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence (AI), medical technology, and precision surgery, equipping future leaders to redefine HPB care.

Why Choose the HPB Surgery Innovation Fellowship?

• World-Class Research Ecosystem:
  Directly collaborate with CIMED’s renowned experts in AI, machine learning, surgical robotics, and data-driven medicine. Leverage cross-disciplinary resources to pioneer solutions in surgical decision support, predictive analytics, and real-time intraoperative guidance.
• Cutting-Edge Clinical Training:
  Master advanced minimally invasive and robotic HPB surgery in a high-volume, tertiary care center. Fellows gain hands-on experience managing complex benign and malignant conditions using the latest surgical innovations.
• Innovation-Driven Curriculum:
  Go beyond traditional clinical training by engaging in research that integrates AI algorithms, imaging analytics, and augmented reality into surgical workflows. Fellows have the opportunity to co-author high-impact publications and present at major national and international conferences.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
  Work alongside a dynamic team of surgeons, medical oncologists, advanced gastroenterologists, hepatologists, biomedical engineers, data scientists, and UI/UX experts. This fellowship fosters a collaborative environment that bridges clinical practice and technological advancement.
• Access to State-of-the-Art Facilities:
  Train in leading-edge surgical suites equipped with robotic platforms, advanced imaging systems, and AI-integrated technologies. CIMED’s research labs offer access to simulation tools, big data resources, and the latest in health-tech innovation.
   

Requirements

• Graduates of US/Canada or international medical schools (as listed in World Directory of Medical Schools, wdoms.org), who have completed a Post Graduate Residency Program in General Surgery (accredited by ACGME or other recognized entities.)
• International medical graduates must hold a valid ECFMG certificate (completed USMLE Step 1, 2 and 3) and qualify for, and obtain, a temporary license to practice medicine from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, in accordance with is requirements.
• Applicants must have:
  • Completed an accredited general surgery residency and be board-eligible or board-certified in General Surgery.
  • International applicants are welcome, with J1 or H1B visa support available through the ACGME guidelines for non-standard programs.
  • A strong background in research or a desire to contribute to innovative HPB projects.
  • Commitment to driving forward the integration of AI and technology into surgical practice
• Interested candidates please email the following documents in one PDF file to Claudius.Conrad@carle.com and Sachin.Patil@carle.com  
  • Personal Statement 
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • ECFMG certificate 
  • ABSITE scores