Minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new field of surgery, with rapid and continuing technological advances and the emergence of a new generation of MIS surgeons. The goal of this rotation is for the resident to understand that achieving and maintaining excellence in surgery is a continuing lifelong endeavor, requiring adaption to new and changing technology, and continued practice and training.
Third- and fourth-year residents from Harbor-UCLA rotate through the LVMIS and Women’s Pelvic Health Center program for five weeks. This immersion program is designed to advance gynecology training in minimally invasive surgery by participating in the one-on-one mentorship program with master laparoscopists specially trained in MIS gynecology surgery under the direction of Dr. K. Warren Volker.
Third and Fourth year Residents from the University of Nevada School of Medicine rotate through the LVMIS Minimally Invasive and Women’s Pelvic Health Center Program for 4 weeks. This program is designed to advance gynecology training in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) by participating in one-on-one mentorship program with “master laparoscopists” specially trained in MIS gynecology surgery under the direction of Dr. K. Warren Volker.
Fourth-year residents from select residency programs rotate through the LVMIS and Women’s Pelvic Health Center program (rotation time may vary). These individuals are expected to have an interest in future fellowship training. Visiting residents are trained on specific minimally invasive surgeries, on a case-by-case basis. Assessment of surgical skill level is assessed at the beginning of the rotation. Deficits are identified and corrected during their time at LVMIS-WPHC. Residents will participate in a one-on-one mentorship with master laparoscopists specially trained in advanced MIS surgical techniques under the direction of Dr. K. Warren Volker.
MIS gynecology surgery under the direction of Dr. K. Warren Volker.
Nestled in the one of the nation's most dynamic cities, the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) Fellowship Program at Las Vegas Minimally Invasive Surgery (LVMIS) is attracting international attention. Our program specializes in the latest minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical treatments for gynecologic and uro-gynecologic issues. Each faculty member of LVMIS has specialized skills that contribute to the overall fellowship learning experience, including vaginal surgery, traditional laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, pelvic reconstruction, and robotics, as well as minimally invasive office-based procedures. Through strategic collaboration with WellHealth Women's Specialty Care, residency programs including Harbor-UCLA and University of Nevada School of Medicine and local hospitals, our fellows are also able to operate with local expert surgeons in multiple disciplines, with the latest and greatest technology, in the most cutting-edge surgical suites. Additionally, through referrals to the Women's Pelvic Health Center, which generates an average of 5,000 surgeries on an annual basis, the LVMIS fellowship program is able to offer fellows a high volume and variety of cases.
Warren Volker, MD, PhD, FACOG, is the director of the LVMIS fellowship. He currently serves as managing partner of WellHealth Women's Specialty Care, CEO of WellHealth, assistant professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) and Harbor-UCLA, president and medical director of Volker Medical Research Foundation, chief of staff at Centennial Hills Hospital, and the director of the minimally invasive surgery program at Southern Hills Medical Center. Dr. Volker is internationally recognized for his contributions to minimally invasive surgery in women's health and has a proven record of professional surgical education for post-graduate GYN surgeons for more than 12 years.
Joy Brotherton, MD, FACOG, is the associate director of minimally invasive surgery in obstetrics and gynecology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. She completed a MIGS fellowship under Steve McCarus in Orlando, and completed her residency at Stamford Hospital/Columbia University in Connecticut. She serves as faculty during our fellows' off-site rotations at Harbor-UCLA, and has a special interest in clinical research for underserved populations.
Melissa Gutierrez, MD, FACOG, is the assistant fellowship director, as well as the assistant clinical director of LVMIS Women's Pelvic Health Center, and a former MIGS fellow at LVMIS. Dr. Gutierrez received her medical degree from Boston University, and then completed her residency at St. Joseph's Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Gutierrez is an expert in traditional laparoscopy and robotic surgery, as well as pelvic reconstructive surgery. She is passionate about improving women's health care through advanced MIS training of fellows and residents. She has a special interest in international health, and has been involved in various medical mission trips in Guatemala and Peru.
Jasmine Pedroso, MD MPH, FACOG, serves as assistant fellowship director and is a graduate of the LVMIS fellowship program. After completing her master's degree at the Harvard School of Public Health, she attended medical school at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and then completed her residency training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Pedroso has a special interest in minimally invasive, cosmetic and fertility-preserving approaches to chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, female sexual dysfunction, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. She is also especially passionate about increasing access to minimally invasive surgery for the underserved and patient and fellow education, both nationally and internationally.
Graduates from the LVMIS program will have the confidence and skills to perform advanced pelvic surgery, as well as the knowledge and preparation for the ever-changing business side of medicine. As a physician with the WellHealth Quality Care, the state's largest accountable care network, our fellows learn about the nuances of running a private practice, hospital administration, entrepreneurship and furthermore become involved in community outreach and patient advocacy. Interested fellows even have the opportunity to pursue an MBA through a special executive program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas during their fellowship. Whether our fellows choose to practice in an academic, hospital-based, large private group, or start his/her own MIS practice, LVMIS will provide the tools necessary to become not only a highly skilled surgeon, but also a genuine trailblazer in the field of women's health.
To apply for the LVMIS fellowship, candidates must have completed a four-year residency program and be in good standing with an accredited facility to apply.
LVMIS holds host to a highly sought-after observership program. Physicians get the opportunity to observe minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by master surgeons and in highly specialized practices. This program is designed for physicians who are currently experienced in minimally invasive surgery, committed to advancing their surgical techniques and increasing their skills to a higher level of performance. To apply, you must be in good standing with a current medical license.
For More Information, please see below:
The AAGL board of trustees has established short, observational, educational programs for physicians who wish to observe the clinical practice and operative care of recognized leaders in gynecological surgery and minimally invasive gynecologic care.
With the permission of the program director, a certificate of attendance may be provided by the AAGL office to participants.
The AAGL office will accept the observer's application and confirm to them the availability of a site. In tho way the Preceptor is insulated from declining an applicant.
The AAGL office only confirms the match once the preceptor has accepted the applicant as an observer in the program. Following the match, the preceptor will communicate all pertinent information to the applicant.
Funding is not available for either the observer or the host preceptor.
You must go through an application process via the AAGL Observership Program website.