Minimally Invasive Fellowship program

International Fellows:

The Columbia University Minimally Invasive Urology Team welcomes international fellows and had a long tradition of helping to train urologist from all over the world. Recent fellows have ranged from residents interested in learning basic minimally invasive technique to well established Urologist who wish to update their minimally invasive experience. Recent fellows have come from Venezuela , Mexico , Ireland , Italy , China , Turkey , and other countries from around the world.

International fellowships extend from a period of two weeks to one year and are at the discretion of the fellow. Fellowships must be proposed to Dr. Jaime Landman and fellows will be accepted on the basis of merit and level of interest. If the fellowship is to extend for a period of three months or more with the Minimally Invasive Urology Team, the fellows are invited to participate in the animal laboratory where they can get hands on experience with minimally invasive technique. International fellows are also granted access to the Columbia University Minimal Access Training Laboratory where they can work with standard box trainers as well as virtual reality training devices to improve laparoscopic and endoscopic skills. International fellows are also welcome to observe all procedures in the Department of Urology and in associated disciplines.

The combination of training in the skills laboratory, working with the research team in the animal laboratory, and observation in the operating room and cysoscopy suites has allowed many international fellows to develop laparoscopic and endoscopic skills which have been used to initiate minimally invasive Urology programs abroad. Individuals interested in a Columbia University international minimally invasive Urology fellowship should contact Dr. Jaime Landman at landmanj@yahoo.com . Once permission for the fellowship has been obtained, fellows must follow the instructions for international minimally invasive urology fellowship listed below.

Instructions for International Columbia University

Minimally Invasive Urology Fellows

1. Permission for fellowship must be gained from Dr. Jaime Landman. The length of the fellowship and dates of fellowship must be established. Each fellow will have to provide a curriculum vitae and three letters of support from colleagues or mentors.
2. After approval from Dr. Landman please contact Ms. Margie Troncoso at (212) 305-1371 or email her at mt2006@columbia.edu to discuss the appointment process and visa information. Information for obtaining a Visa can be found at the website of the United States Embassy in your country of origin. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the U.S. Department of State, entitled “Exchange Visitor Program.”
3. To obtain the Visa J-1 you must apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence and you will need the following documentation:
• The completed visa application form DS-156, DS-158, and DS-157 (when applicable). Applications will be provided by our office.
• BNL receipt of payment of the non-refundable Machine Readable Visa application fee.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States . If more than one person is included in the passport, each individual desiring a visa must make a separate application;
• One passport size photo (not digital, on a white background, taken within the last six months) for each visa applicant, including infants.
• The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee receipt.
• The original Form DS-2019 provided by the sponsoring organization in the U.S.A. ( Columbia University ).

Procedures:

Prior to arrival in the United States

Form DS-2019 can be obtained through the Columbia University Department of Urology administrator, Ms. Margie Troncoso. Please fill out the application and return as soon as possible. The International Affair Office will send you the original copy of the DS 2019 which you should keep with you at all times. Your program should begin within 30 days of your specified start date on your DS2019 form. On the airplane you will need to fill out the I-94. This form will be attached to your passport by the United States Customs agent. You must not loose this document.

Upon arrival in the United States

The address of the Columbia University International Affairs Office is:

630 West 168th Street , Black Building , Box 57B

New York , NY    10032

Tel:  212-305-8165

Fax:  212-305-5208

At the Columbia University International Affairs Office you should meet with a Mrs. Kathleen McVeigh. Ms. McVeigh will note your arrival and give you all the information you need as a visiting researcher. The office will provide you with the necessary documents for you to open a bank account with any American bank. There is a ‘City Bank' just at the entrance of the Black Building . If you should need to leave the United States the Director of The International Affairs Office will need to sign your DS-2019.

After three weeks from your arrival, you'll receive an email from Columbia University asking for you to participate in a meeting for all new Visa J-1 applicants. If you have time to go, we suggest attending as the meeting is very interesting.

Requirements for the Columbia University Department of Urology

Essential Items:

• Columbia University identification (ID) – Ms. Margie Troncoso will give you an ID badge request form. The ID badge request form is taken to the Security Office in the Black Building Rm. 112. At the security office they will take your picture and provide you with an ID.
• UNI number (University Network Identification) – You must obtain a UNI number. Please request that Ms. Margie Troncoso obtain one for you.
• Social Security Number – If you don't have one, or are not entitled to one, inform Ms. Margie Troncoso and she will provide you with a substitute number

With your UNI and ‘Social Security Number' Mr. Greg Hruby, Minimally Invasive Laboratory director will assist you with:

• Activation of your Columbia email address, please note that instruction will be given once you have received your UNI.
• Occupational Health Assessment appointment (This is need prior to animal contact). Occupational health services is located at the Harkness Pavilion 1 st floor.
• Animal Training – given by one of the veterinarian staff. Greg Hruby will help schedule the meeting.
• Access code to the Minimal Access Training Lab (Your Office). This should be obtained by contacting Ms. Nancy Hogle, her office is next to the training lab room PH12-126, her telephone number is 212-305-0577. Provide her with your UNI and she will process your access code for both the training lab and computer simulation systems.
• After completion of the animal training you will need to request access to the 18 th floor facilities. This is granted by Patricia Carmody. Prior to meeting with Patricia, you most first ask Margie Troncoso for an access ID form. Fill in the appropriate information and have Dr. Landman and Pamela Rodman sign the form. Return this form to the Security office (Black Building Rm 112) to obtain your new ID. Finally meet with Patricia, and complete the nessassary paper work for 18 th floor access.

The Department of Urology at Columbia University has a monthly academic schedule that lists all of the non-clinical activities of the department including lectures and training activities. Please contact Ms. Orchid Cifre at (212) 305-0111and request your email address be added to the monthly schedule (Journal club, Tumor Board, Ground Round, morbidity and mortality report, etc.).

Fellows are expected to attend all educational lectures. Lectures include Monday ( 7am ) tumor board, Tuesday ( 7am minimally invasive urology lab meeting), Wednesday 6:30am resident education conference), Thursday ( 7 am ) grand rounds.

Accommodations:

The Department of Urology is unable to provide housing for International Minimally Invasive Urology Fellows. However, prior fellows have had success working with several organizations. Information on accommodation can be obtained from many websites. The following have been successfully used by prior international fellows:

www.furnishedquarters.com

www.craigslist.com

www.ihouse-nyc.org

Other useful advices:

Fitness

In the Hospital there is an Employee Fitness Center which you can use (Monday-Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 and Saturday morning). It is located in the Service Building on the right side of the garden just in front of the Hospital Chapel.

Hospital Map and facility transportation

In the Columbia University Medical Center website you will find a map of all the hospital buildings and other useful information, such as the Inter Campus Shuttle Bus between the Medical Center and Morningside campuses. http//www.cumc.columbia.edu/about/cumc_map.html

There is also a shuttle each hour from 6:15 A.M. to 6:15 PM from Milstein Building to NYW Cornell 70th and York Avenue.

International Minimally Invasive Urology Contact Information: