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

On behalf of the Midwest Institute of Microsurgery at The University of Kansas Health System, we are pleased to announce an opening for a one-year Microsurgery Fellowship beginning August 2027. This program has long-standing ties to Canada, including former leadership by Canadian surgeon Dr. Richard Korentager and current faculty who trained in Canada.

About the Fellowship

Established in 2016, this immersive program offers training in all aspects of microsurgery, including complex reconstruction of the head and neck, upper extremity, lower extremity, breast, trunk, gender-affirmation, and lymphedema surgery. Fellows typically perform 150–250 free flaps over the year, with optional replants available.

The program is distinguished by its breadth, particularly in breast reconstruction, which includes stacked and bipedicled flaps, flap neurotization, combined DIEP–PAP reconstructions, and high-BMI patient reconstructions (>40). Fellows also gain exposure to neuroplastics, head and neck reconstruction, functional muscle transfers, and physiologic lymphedema surgery.

Faculty typically operate without a co-surgeon, allowing fellows to develop operative independence and efficiency, with microsurgical cases generally finishing by early to mid-afternoon.

Typical Microsurgical Week

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

The fellowship runs from August 1, 2027, to July 31, 2028.

Faculty and Clinical Volume

Fellows work closely with microsurgery-trained faculty and the resident team:

• Dr. Holding (fellowship founder) – breast microsurgery and aesthetic surgery
• Drs. Butterworth and Lai – breast and lymphedema reconstruction
• Dr. Farmer – breast reconstruction, sarcoma reconstruction, and transgender surgery
• Dr. Jehle – upper and lower extremity, orthoplastics, limb salvage, and peripheral nerve surgery
• Drs. Braun (fellowship director) and Diaz-Abele – neuroplastics, head and neck reconstruction, 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

Responsibilities

• Attend at least one clinic of choice per week
• Participate in all microsurgical cases and flap take-backs when possible
• Assist with microsurgery lab training of residents three times per year
• No first or faculty call, except for two days covering resident in-service training and wellness retreat
• Participate in clinical research, with encouragement to present at national meetings
• Attend the ASRM meeting and Fellow Round Table (travel and lodging reimbursed)

Clinical sites include the main campus at 39th Street and Rainbow Boulevard and the Indian Creek campus at I-435 and Nall Avenue. Most microsurgery and complex reconstructions occur at the main campus.

Requirements

• Completion of a plastic surgery residency
• Graduation in good standing

Pay

Competitive salary of $154,000 CAD (~$110,000 USD) per institutional GME guidelines.

For inquiries, contact:

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

Fellowship Director: Sterling Braun, MD
Sbraun2@kumc.edu