Fellowship Program
During fellowship programs, doctors who have completed a general residency can hone their skills in a niche, advancing their knowledge and serving patients with specific needs. In Chicago and the greater state of Illinois, there is only one program in bariatrics approved by the Fellowship Council. This program was created by Dr. Lutfi and stands out as unique in available opportunities for surgeons in Illinois.
To learn more about this program, we encourage you to read on or to contact Dr. Lutfi at (773) 327-6800.
All About the Bariatric Surgery Fellowship
As of the posting of this blog, this program is still the only fellowship in bariatric surgery in the state. As an experienced specialist in bariatrics, Dr. Lutfi was motivated to create opportunities for surgeons in
his community, as none existed before his founding of the fellowship.
The one-year program is currently open for one candidate only and will begin on August 1st of 2019. The fellow will primarily work out of Presence Saint Joseph Hospital, completing bariatric surgery procedures and bariatric endoscopy. They will go to other hospitals to provide general surgery procedures, as well. Dr. Rami Lutfi will serve as one of the program’s directors.
To expand the fellow’s knowledge and capabilities, they will have funding for research and publication made available. They will also be involved in the National and International Societies for Bariatrics — professional peer groups that support excellence and continuing education in this type of surgical procedure. The ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) offers professional development opportunities for members, including course endorsement, webinars, and weekend conferences.
The IFSO, or International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, brings together the collective knowledge and skill of many national associations across the world, as well as individuals from other countries where no professional association exists. In the IFSO’s virtual academy, members have access to lectures from professionals in specific areas of the field. Members can also participate in the IFSO world congress and endorsed meetings for continuing education.
About the Fellowship Council
Why is it so important to have the program approved by The Fellowship Council? This group has been in place for over 20 years and has committed themselves to promoting knowledge and development in surgical fields, including bariatrics. With changes in medicine and advancements in procedures, demand was created for fellowship programs that would allow trained doctors to further their skills in new arenas. With this demand came the need to study in hospital environments, under skilled doctors pioneering these techniques.
The gaps in residency programs for laparoscopic surgeries was the catalyst for the creation of a group to expand opportunities for physicians. With help from The Fellowship Council, these new programs were supported and balanced, providing fellows with the appropriate experience and education in areas of surgery not comprehensively covered in their residencies.
With the approval of the Fellowship Council, the Dr.-Lutfi-founded bariatric surgery program has the necessary support and funding to ensure the participant is confident in their training.
Creating Opportunities for Patients and Physicians
Rami Lutfi, MD, FACS has spent his career as a pioneer of bariatric medicine in his community. He was the first surgeon in the Midwest to place an intragastric balloon and start a bariatric endoscopy program. Dr. Lutfi was also one of the first surgeons in Illinois to perform a gastric sleeve procedure and continues to see patients who are struggling after previous surgery to help with wide array of revisional bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic duodenal switch.
In addition to his founding of the bariatric surgery fellowship in Chicago, Dr. Lutfi created the Midwest Bariatric Summit and has seen membership grow significantly within that professional group. His commitment to ongoing education, mentoring peers, and serving patients is reflected in his career accomplishments and development of unique programs.
Learn More – Call or Visit Dr. Lutfi
For additional information about the bariatric surgery fellowship, call Dr. Lutfi’s office at 773-327-6800. If you would like to learn more about treatment with Dr. Lutfi and available options for medical weight loss from our experienced specialist, please contact our office for a consultation.