Microsurgical Fellowship - Midwest Institute of Microsurgery at The University of Kansas Health System

Job Description / Duties

On behalf of the Midwest Institute of Microsurgery at The University of Kansas Health System, we are pleased to announce an opening for our one-year Microsurgery Fellowship beginning August 2027. We are sharing this opportunity with the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons because our program has long-standing ties to Canada: it was formerly led by Canadian surgeon Dr. Richard Korentager, several of our current faculty trained in Canada, and we have a strong track record of welcoming and supporting Canadian applicants.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

Established in 2016, our program offers immersive training in all aspects of microsurgery, including complex reconstruction of the head and neck, upper extremity, lower extremity, breast and trunk, as well as gender-affirmation and lymphedema surgery. Fellows typically graduate having performed 150–250 free flaps over the course of the year. Replants are optional but available for candidates who are interested.

While our breast volume is substantial, what distinguishes the experience is the breadth within it. Our DIEP practice routinely includes stacked and bipedicled flaps, flap neurotization, combined DIEP–PAP reconstructions, and reconstruction in high-BMI patients (>40) — a range of complexity that is not the norm at every high-volume center. Beyond breast, fellows gain substantial exposure to neuroplastics, head and neck reconstruction, functional muscle transfers, and the full spectrum of physiologic lymphedema surgery. A high breast volume can give the impression of a DIEP-focused program; in practice, the case mix is considerably broader. Because our faculty typically operate without a co-surgeon, fellows also develop a level of operative independence and efficiency that is often understated by case numbers alone, with microsurgical cases generally finishing by early to mid-afternoon.

A TYPICAL MICROSURGICAL WEEK

To illustrate the breadth, a representative week often includes:

• 4–6 bilateral breast reconstructions (DIEP, SIEA, or PAP), typically completed by 2–3 pm.
• 1–2 neuroplastic or head and neck reconstructions, frequently performed in combination with neurosurgery.
• 1 lower-extremity salvage for trauma or sarcoma, including functional muscle transfers.
• 1 lymphedema case — immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR), or physiologic and debulking procedures for established disease.
• Approximately one radial forearm phalloplasty per month.

The fellowship runs from August 1, 2027 to July 31, 2028. Fellows work closely with our microsurgery-trained staff as well as the resident team:

• Dr. Holding (fellowship founder) — breast microsurgery and aesthetic surgery.
• Drs. Butterworth and Lai — practices largely focused on breast and lymphedema reconstruction.
• Dr. Farmer — breast reconstruction, with additional expertise in sarcoma reconstruction and transgender surgery.
• Dr. Jehle — upper and lower extremity, including orthoplastics, limb salvage, and peripheral nerve surgery.
• Drs. Braun (fellowship director) and Diaz-Abele — neuroplastics and adult complex reconstruction of the head and neck (traumatic and oncologic), breast microsurgery, lymphedema surgery, and limb salvage.

AVERAGE ANNUAL CLINICAL VOLUME

• Breast: 200
• Head & Neck: 20–30
• Upper & Lower Extremity: 20–30
• Lymphedema: 20–30
• Trunk: 5–10
• Gender Affirmation: 10–15
• Complex, Non-Microsurgical Reconstruction: 100–150

EXPECTATIONS

Fellows attend at least one clinic of their choice per week, participate in all microsurgical cases and flap take-backs when possible, and assist with microsurgery lab training of residents three times per year. As this is a fellowship dedicated to the education of the trainee, fellows do not take first or faculty call, aside from two days covering for the resident in-service training exam and the wellness retreat. Participation in clinical research is recommended, and presentation of completed projects at national meetings is encouraged. Fellows attend the ASRM meeting and participate in the Fellow Round Table, with travel and lodging reimbursed by the department.

Clinical sites include our main campus at 39th Street and Rainbow Boulevard and our Indian Creek campus at I-435 and Nall Avenue. Microsurgery and most complex reconstructions take place at the main campus. Competitive salary and benefits are provided per institutional GME guidelines.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are invited to contact our Fellowship Coordinator directly:

Fellowship Coordinator:
Kendra Harms
kharms2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-2000

Fellowship Director:
Sterling Braun, MD
Sbraun2@kumc.edu
Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic, Burn, and Wound Surgery
University of Kansas Medical Center

We welcome your interest and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

The Midwest Institute of Microsurgery
The University of Kansas Health System

Qualifications / Required Skills

Plastic surgery residency.
Graduation in good standing.

Salary: 154,000 CAD (110,000 USD)

Contact Information

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are invited to contact our Fellowship Coordinator directly:

Fellowship Coordinator:
Kendra Harms
kharms2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-2000

Fellowship Director:
Sterling Braun, MD
Sbraun2@kumc.edu
Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic, Burn, and Wound Surgery
University of Kansas Medical Center