Advocate Illinois Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program
History
The Advocate Illinois Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program offers a traditional two-year training program in Vascular Surgery that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program accommodates a total of two fellows – one at the PGY 6 level and another at the PGY 7 level. The Advocate Illinois Vascular Fellowship program was transferred from Ascension St. Joseph’s Hospital in August of 2025. The program is dedicated to preparing trainees for a fulfilling career in the evaluation and treatment of all facets of vascular pathology.
About the Program
The mission of the Advocate Illinois Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program is to provide comprehensive training that equips fellows with advanced technical skills and strong clinical judgment in the management of arterial, venous, and lymphatic diseases.
Our program serves a broad and inclusive patient population presenting with a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, offering fellows extensive clinical exposure and hands-on experience. In addition to clinical excellence, fellows are expected to develop competencies in research and leadership, preparing them to become exceptional vascular surgeons in both academic and clinical settings.
Welcome Note from The Program Director
We are proud to offer an ACGME-accredited independent fellowship to applicants who have completed five years of general surgical training. Our program provides extensive training in both open and endovascular techniques across a variety of clinical environments. As a tertiary referral center, we offer a wide range of operative experiences, including complex procedures that prepare fellows for advanced vascular practice.
The fellowship is highly active, with fellows typically meeting ACGME-defined case minimums by the end of their first year. Training is structured across three distinct clinical sites throughout Chicago and the surrounding area, offering exposure to both routine and complex vascular cases. Fellows are encouraged to make independent clinical decisions and manage patients across inpatient, outpatient, and vascular lab settings.
With nine dedicated faculty members across our training sites, we are committed to mentoring the next generation of vascular surgeons—whether they pursue academic medicine or private practice. Program highlights include:
- High volume of open aortic and lower-extremity bypass surgeries
- Complex endovascular procedures performed in three hybrid operating rooms
- Comprehensive clinical exposure, including cerebrovascular, aortic, peripheral vascular, dialysis access, wound care, venous disease, and vascular medicine
- Opportunities for clinical research and participation in ongoing trials
- Protected time to attend national vascular surgery conferences
- Weekly didactic sessions featuring journal clubs, faculty-led lectures, and case discussions
Chicago offers an exceptional living experience, with stunning architecture, world-class dining—including over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants—and vibrant neighborhoods that appeal to both families and individuals.
If you're seeking a dynamic fellowship with broad clinical exposure and strong academic support, we invite you to apply to the Advocate Illinois Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out our program coordinator, Camelia Stanciu, email: camelia.stanciu@aah.org
Tejas R. Shah, MD, FACS, RPVI
Program Director, Advocate Illinois Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Application Requirements
- Successful completion of a general surgery residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
- Complete ERAS application
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (one must be from your general surgery residency's program director)
- Personal statement
- United Sates Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) scores
- ABS In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores
- Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, if applicable
- Recent photo
For additional information regarding salary and benefits, please send an email to LGH-Vascular@aah.org