Breast Surgical Oncology | Corewell Health

The Comprehensive Breast Care Program at Corewell Health in West Michigan, located in Grand Rapids, offers a one-year fellowship in the multidisciplinary management of benign and malignant breast disease. The one-year core curriculum provides a robust and wellrounded experience through dedicated rotations in breast surgical oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, breast imaging, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, cancer genetics, high risk care, cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema, and patient advocacy.

The program is designed to prepare fellows for independent practice through graduated responsibilities, technical skill development, and evidence-based decision-making. Fellows benefit from a balanced integration of clinical, operative, and research experiences within a collaborative team-based environment. In addition, the fellowship supports academic growth through committee involvement and participation in regional and national professional society meetings. Rotations may be individualized to align with each fellow’s professional goals and interests.

Our program, your future

Support is provided to fellows at Corewell Health in West Michigan to engage in clinical or translational research projects that contribute to the field of breast surgical oncology. Our program offers ample opportunities for scholarly activity, including access to an institutional cancer registry, national cancer databases, and statistical support staff. Fellows will be mentored by experienced faculty members, with opportunities for collaborative feedback on research ideas. Involvement with at least one research project is expected, and fellows are encouraged to present their study findings at national conferences and submit original manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.

Our fellowship offers a well-rounded formal didactic curriculum designed to enhance both clinical and academic skills. The program includes monthly journal clubs that allow fellows to critically evaluate recent literature and stay updated on advancements in breast surgical oncology. These sessions alternate with monthly subspecialty guest lectures, providing fellows with exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research. Regular career development sessions are also integral to our curriculum, focusing on topics such as leadership, practice management, and professional growth. Additionally, our interesting case series sessions offer fellows the opportunity to discuss unique and challenging cases, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The fellowship program is closely affiliated with the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and the Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/MSU General Surgery Residency. Fellows will have the opportunity to mentor and educate medical students and residents through hands-on clinical instruction and formal didactic sessions. This teaching responsibility not only enhances the learning experience for trainees but also helps fellows develop essential skills in medical education and academic leadership. By participating in these teaching activities, fellows will be prepared to pursue academic careers and contribute to the education of future health care professionals.

One fellow is accepted each year with training beginning August 1. All applications need to be submitted through the Corewell Health in West Michigan career site. Please be advised of the following:

All applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program, or an RCPSC-accredited or CFPC-accredited residency program located in Canada
All applicants must possess United States work authorization or be eligible for J-1 status

All applications are reviewed, interviews are then offered and conducted with the program director and other core faculty.

For any questions please reach out to program coordinator, Kary Hall.

From the program director

Corewell Health in West Michigan is a nationally recognized, integrated system committed to high-quality, compassionate care and remains dedicated to upholding a legacy of community partnerships and philanthropy. In addition, Corewell Health in West Michiga values a culture of educational excellence and has a longstanding partnership with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine to prepare students, residents, and fellows for lifelong careers in health care.

The Corewell Health West Cancer Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and has the highest clinical volumes of breast cancer in the state of Michigan, providing care for >750 new patients each year. The Corewell Health in West Michigan breast surgical oncology fellowship aims to provide comprehensive multidisciplinary training in the surgical management of benign and malignant breast diseases. The fellowship is a one-year program with one position each year and is based in downtown Grand Rapids.

By virtue of mentorship and personalized learning, the fellowship is committed to excellence in patient care, education, and research. Our curriculum is designed to help fellows cultivate their interests and advance their career path in any type of practice they pursue. Through a combination of diverse clinical training, robust didactic sessions, meaningful research opportunities, and impactful teaching experiences, our fellows will be well-equipped to make significant contributions to the field of breast surgical oncology.

On behalf of the comprehensive breast care faculty, thank you for taking the time to learn about our program. Please reach out with any questions.

Jessica Thompson, MD, FACS
Program Director – Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship

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Program director

Jessica Thompson, MD, FACS

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Jessica Thompson, MD, FACS

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Jessica Thompson, MD, FACS

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Jessica Thompson, MD, FACS

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Core faculty

Amie Hop, MD

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Marianne Melnik, MD

Surgical oncology

Fellowship: Ohio State University
Residency: University of Iowa

Melinda Miller, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
Residency: University at Buffalo

Jayne Paulson, MD, FACS

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Erica Wrubel, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Northwestern University
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Amie Hop, MD

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Marianne Melnik, MD

Surgical oncology

Fellowship: Ohio State University
Residency: University of Iowa

Melinda Miller, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
Residency: University at Buffalo

Jayne Paulson, MD, FACS

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Erica Wrubel, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Northwestern University
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Amie Hop, MD

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Marianne Melnik, MD

Surgical oncology

Fellowship: Ohio State University
Residency: University of Iowa

Melinda Miller, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
Residency: University at Buffalo

Jayne Paulson, MD, FACS

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Erica Wrubel, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Northwestern University
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Amie Hop, MD

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Marianne Melnik, MD

Surgical oncology

Fellowship: Ohio State University
Residency: University of Iowa

Melinda Miller, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
Residency: University at Buffalo

Jayne Paulson, MD, FACS

Breast surgery

Residency: Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Erica Wrubel, MD

Breast surgical oncology

Fellowship: Northwestern University
Residency: Spectrum Health/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine