Program Director(s):
Kirsten Newhams
Yohshiro Komatsu
Description:
The Esophageal Institute at the Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offers a one-year clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery. This fellowship focuses on advanced laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic techniques used in the evaluation and treatment of foregut disease. Our goal is to train surgeons in the art of esophagology, with an ability to diagnose, interrogate, manage, and treat the full spectrum of foregut disease. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, and by training in advanced therapeutic techniques, we seek to instill in trainees a dedication to the continuous pursuit of excellence in the field of foregut.
Throughout the course of the fellowship, our fellow will gain exposure to the pathophysiology of foregut disease. We provide comprehensive training in the completion and analysis of diagnostic endoscopy, including but not limited to pH monitoring (capsule and catheter-based testing) and high resolution esophageal manometry. In addition, they will learn how to interpret radiology studies including barium swallows and modified barium swallows. Additional exposure to nuanced evaluations such as FEES, may be provided. There is extensive training in therapeutic endoscopic procedures such as POEM, EMR, ESD, stenting, RFA, PDT and dilation. They will evaluate patients in clinic, formulate diagnostic and treatment plans and then enact them in the operating room. Operative experience is provided through graduated autonomy. Case mix includes anti-reflux procedures (magnetic sphincter augmentation and fundoplication), paraesophageal hernia repair, pyloroplasty, gastric stimulator placement, revision of prior anti-reflux surgeries, including esophagojejunostomy, gastrectomy for benign and malignant disease, esophagectomy for benign and malignant disease, as well as procedures for Zenker’s diverticulum. Our Institute offers multi-disciplinary care so our fellow will gain exposure to speech language pathology, behavioral health, and nutrition as well.
In addition to the above, the fellow is expected to complete a dedicated research project leading to presentation and publication during their training. We have a robust basic and clinical research team to support the fellow with their research.
As part of the training, our fellow will present patients at Tumor Board meetings, as well as monthly mortality & morbidity conferences. These are opportunities the fellow to gain deep insight into their patients and the nuanced care that they require. Journal Club is scheduled regularly throughout the year, allowing for a deep dive into specific areas of interest, such as gastroparesis and esophageal cancer. There are often opportunities to participate in national meetings; such as: ACS, AFS, DDW, and SAGES.
Our fellow will be provided the opportunity to gain certification in magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) and Robotic Surgery (Intuitive) through the course of the year.
Finally, this year serves as a transition year to independent practice with the fellow gaining increasing amounts of clinical, endoscopic, and surgical autonomy as directed by their demonstrated abilities. Our fellowship is geared for surgeons who desire to develop extensive knowledge and skill mastery in the field of foregut disease.
Basic Program Information:
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Primary Program Site: West Penn Hospital - Allegheny Health Network
- Primary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR's, # Surgical ICU beds: 317 total beds, 18 ORs, 16 SICU beds
- Secondary Program Site: Canonsburg Hospital
- Secondary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR's, # Surgical ICU beds: 104 total beds; 3 ORs, 8 ICU beds
- Clinic locations and schedule:
On average there will be: 1 day of clinic; 3 days of operative and endoscopic procedures, and 1 day of research/education.
While West Penn serves as the hub of the fellowship, our fellow will be able to rotate at the following nearby hospitals to gain operative and endoscopic experience: Canonsburg Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, and Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.
- University Affiliation: Drexel University
- School of Medicine Affiliation: Drexel University School of Medicine
- Year Program and/or Designation Established: 2012
- Number of Faculty: 3
- % of Program Clinical: 90
- % of Program Research: 10
Additional Program Information:
- Interaction with Residents: Some cases shared
- Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Primary Institution? Yes
- Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Secondary Institution? No
- Is there a curriculum in place for fellowship? Yes
- Is there a skills lab at the institution with fellow access? Yes
- Are there teaching conferences available for the fellow? Yes
- Is there an evaluation tool for fellow by faculty in place? Yes
- Is there an evaluation tool for faculty by fellow in place? Yes
- Papers Accepted For Publication where PD was an author: 500
- Publications that Involved Input from the Fellow: 300
- Are funds available for the Fellow to attend conferences? Yes
Malpractice Insurance Information:
- The fellow(s) is also required to have attending privileges (insurance coverage must also include all activities for their work while they act as a fellow and an attending) and the program provides the following:Claims-based malpractice coverage including a tail for the statute of limitations
Contact Information For Questions:
Wayne Crockett
Phone: (412) 645-1194
Fax: Please email
Email: wayne.crockett@ahn.org
Web: https://www.ahn.org/health-care-professionals/education/graduate-medical-education/fellowships/esophageal-surgery.html
Facilities
Dry Lab
Wet lab
Library
Administrative Support
Basic Science Research
Clinical Research
Simulation Lab
Citizenship and Visa Requirements:
US Citizens US Permanent Residents (Green Card)Medical School Requirements:
We accept graduates of U.S. or Canadian Medical Schools and Foreign Medical Schools We accept graduates of Foreign Medical Schools only if ECFMG CertifiedExaminations and Certifications:
Applicants must have passed the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1, 2, & 3 exams Applicants must have passed the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 & 2 exams or the Medical Council of Canada Evaluation Exam (MCCEE) Applicants must have had at least 2 years of prior training in an ACGME accredited residency or fellowship (or Canadian equivalent) Applicants who are ABS or Canadian Board Eligible or Certified Applicants must have had at least 2 years of prior training in an AOA (American Osteopathic Association) accredited residency or fellowship Applicants must be AOBS (American Osteopathic Board of Surgery) eligible or certifiedLicensure Requirements and Information:
A Pennsylvania State Medical License is not required to apply for this fellowship match however a PA state medical license must be acquired prior to beginning the fellowship. It is strongly recommended that fellows apply for their license as soon as possible after matching to the program.
Please visit the following link for application details: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_board_of_medicine/12512/licensure_information/599413
| Accreditation Status | Accreditation Period | Length of Accreditation | Accredited for Foregut | 2025-2027 | 2 |
|---|
Fellowship Opportunity # 1
- Number of Positions Available: 1
- Type of Fellowship: Foregut
- Duration: 1 year
- Start Day: August 1
- End Day: July 31
- Is this a salaried position? Yes
- It is a requirement that the salary must be commensurate to a PGY 6 or greater in the same city. Does your program meet this requirement? Yes
- Is the salary guaranteed for the year? Yes
- Is there funding available beyond salary for meeting attendance, research, etc? Yes
- Is the salary dependent on call? No
- Is the Fellow on call?
Yes
What are the on call requirements?Our fellow will take call for all Institute patients during the week. General Surgery residents will be first call for inpatients and consults. The fellow will provide back up for the house staff when problems arise and will confer directly with attending staff after having evaluated the patient. Weekend call coverage and rounding will be approximately every third weekend and divided equally amongst our fellow and general surgery residents. There will be a General Surgery call compnent that coincides with the Esophageal Institute's call schedule. This concurrent General Surgery call will be four to eight times through the course of the fellowship year. The fellow will take home call for outpatients.
- What are the estimated fellow weekly work hours? 55
- It is a requirement that Health Insurance be provided. Do you provide health insurance to your fellows? Yes
- Teaching Responsibilities: No
- Courses/Academic Presentations: Yes
- Does reimbursement for the above make up part of the salary? No
- Does the fellowship contract include a non-compete clause? Yes
Clinical Outpatient Experience
Our fellow is responsible for fully participating and directing the care of their patients from initial consultation through aftercare. The fellow will provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnostic plans with subsequent interpretation and creation of a throughout and considerate therapeutic plan. Additionally, the fellow is expected to direct the preoperative evaluations necessary to safely bring their patient to surgery. Our fellow will round daily on their patients and create a daily care plan that is communicated to the care team. Follow up care will be guided by the fellow. At the Esophageal Institute, we provide extensive follow up on our patients and the fellow will have the ability to participate in this process. While staff surgeons will ultimately oversee the care of our patients, our fellow is expected to be comprehensive in their evaluations and care of the patients.
Research/Scholarship Resources
The research lab at the Esophageal Institute has a thriving basic, translational, and clinical research program. Our fellow have access to many resources including a state-of-the-art basic research facility housed within the Institute. The fellow is required to select at least one research area of focus and submit a completed manuscript to a national journal. Our fellow is also encouraged to submit an abstract to various national presentations such as SAGES, DDW, AFS, GI ASCO, and ASCO. Prior and current fellows have presented at these meetings.
The Esophageal Research Team acts as an important resource to new Fellows. Our fellow is able to consult directly with the Directors of Basic/Translational Research, Clinical Research, and their respective teams.
Program Director(s) Detailed Information
Dr. Kirsten Newhams MD, MPH
- At Institution Since: 2019
- Program Director Since : 2019
- Board Certification: Board Certified
Society Memberships
SAGES
ACS
AFS
Other
Association of Women Surgeons
Areas of Expertise
Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery, with Robotic and Endoscopic surgical approaches and diagnosticsTeaching Qualifications
Undergraduate:
2000-2004 International Studies, BA, American University, Washington, D.C.
2005-2006 Post-baccalaureate in pre-medical studies, American University, Washington, D.C.
Graduate:
2008-2012 Doctor of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
2008-2012 Masters of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
Post-graduate:
2012-2013 Internship, General Surgery, Richard C. Thirlby, MD, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
2013-2017 Residency, General Surgery, Lily C. Chang, MD, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
2017-2018 Fellowship, Blair A. Jobe, MD, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
2018 LINX Training Certification, Chicago, Illinois
2019 DaVinci Robotic Certification, Atlanta, Georgia
HONORS:
2017 Robert Pommerening Resident of the Year, Virginia Mason Medical Center
2004 University Honors, American University
2000-2004 Dean’s List, American University
2000 Presidential Scholarship recipient, American University
Summary of Qualifications
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE:
2025-present Director, Esophageal Institute, Allegheny Health Network
2025-present Primary Program Director, Minimally Invasive Foregut Fellowship, Esophageal Institute, Allegheny Health Network
2024-present Membership Committee, Member, Fellowship Council
2023-present Accreditation Committee, Member, Fellowship Council
2021-present Director, Robotic Surgery, Esophageal Institute, Allegheny Health Network
2020-2023 Surgical Co-director, Foregut webinars, AFS Competency Committee, American Foregut Society
2020-2023 Member, Clinical Practice Committee, American Foregut Society
2020-2021 Chair, Robotics Committee, West Penn Hospital
2019-2024 Associate Program Director, Minimally Invasive Foregut Fellowship, Esophageal Institute, Allegheny Health Network
2019-present Surgical Lead, Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Disease Site Leadership Team, Allegheny Health Network
2016-2017 Education Chief, General Surgery Department, Virginia Mason Medical Center
2016 Program Committee member and moderator, North Pacific Surgical Association
2016 Policy Development for Medical and Maternity Leave, General Surgery Department, Virginia Mason Medical Center
2011-2012 Medical Student Interviewer, University of Texas
2009-2012 MPH Class Representative, University of Texas
2009-2010 Vice President, UTHSCSA Global Initiative, University of Texas
2009 Project Medishare, Haiti
2009 Trip leader, UTHSCSA Global Initiative, trip leader, Jinotepe, Nicaragua
2009-2010 Peer Advisor, University of Texas
2009 SAMM House, lecture series leader, University of Texas
PUBLICATIONS:
Su, B., Dunst, C., Gould, J., Jobe, B., Severson, P., Newhams, K., Sachs, A., Ujiki, M. (2020). Expe-rience based expert consensus on intraoperative usage of the Endoflip impedance planimetry system. Surgical Endoscopy. doi: 10.1007/s00464-020-07704-3.
Olszewski, T., Ayazi, S., Schwameis, K., Miller, S., Newhams, K., Jobe, B. (2020).Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) secondary to esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO): a case report and literature review. Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology. doi: 0.1007/s12328-020-01247-9.
Ayazi, S., Zaidi, A., Zheng,P., Chovanec, K., Chowdhury, N. , Salvitti, M., Newhams, K., et al. (2019). Comparison of surgical payer costs and implication on the healthcare expenses between lapa-roscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in a large healthcare system. Surgical Endoscopy. doi: 10.1007/s00464-019-07021-4.
Ayazi, S., Zaidi, A., Zheng,P., Chovanec, K., Komatsu, Y., Omstead, A., Salvitti, M., Hoppo, T., Newhams, K., Jobe, B. (2019). Predictors of persistent dysphagia after magnetic sphincter augmenta-tion. Gastroenterology, 155 (6), S-1401.
Komatsu, Y., Newhams, K., Jobe, B. (2018). Enhancing the detection of Barrett's esophagus. Inno-vations in the Management of Foregut Disease (pp. 453-464). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
Newhams, K., Jobe, B. (2018). Fundamentals of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy. Esophageal Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment (pp. 117-124). New York City, NY: Springer International.
PRESENTATIONS:
“Women in Medicine” Boston Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. October 2020.
“GERD Awareness” Armstrong Community Memorial Hospital, Kittanning Pennsylvania. November 2019.
“GERD” Armstrong Community Providers, Lenape Heights Golf Resort, Pennsylvania. October 2019.
“Screen the Unseen: Barrett’s Esophagus” Pennsylvania Society of Gastroenterology Nurses Annual Ed-ucation Meeting. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. September 2019.
“Improvements in Quality of Life and Objective Patient Characteristics Are Seen After Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation.” Newhams, KM, Meslang, A., Alleyne, A., Martin, S., Chovanec, K., Jackson, P., Smith, K., Zaidi, AH, Jobe, BA. Digestive Diseases Week (DDW), Washington, D.C. June 2-5, 2018 (Poster).
“Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Improves Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressure While Maintaining Esophageal Function.” Newhams, KM, Meslang, A., Alleyne, A.,Martin, S., Chovanec, K., Jackson, P., Smith, K., Zaidi, AH, Jobe, BA. Digestive Dis-eases Week (DDW), Washington, D.C. June 2-5, 2018 (Poster).
“Small Tumor, Big Problem: Anatomic Diversion, Reconstruction,And Victory In The Case Of Malignant Gastrinoma.” Case presentation, Seattle Surgi-cal Annual Meeting, Seattle. February 2017.
“Carotid Body Tumor In The Setting Of Carotid Artery Stenosis And Complex Left Thyroid Nodule.” Case Presentation, Joel A. Baker Lecture Series, Seattle. May 2016.
“Gastro-bronchial Fistula Following Esophagectomy: Operative Considerations For A Life-Threatening Problem.” Case presentation, Seattle Surgical Annual Meeting, Seat-tle. February 2016.
“Non-operative Management of Blunt Splenic Injury: The Harborview Pediatric Ex-perience.” Case presentation, The John A. Ryan Lectureship in Surgery, Seattle. Sep-tember 2015.
“Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: An Institutional Experience.” The Joel A. Baker Lecture Series, Seattle. April 2015.
“Working to Death? An Experiment In Public Health Blogging And Social Networking.” American Association For The Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Conference, San Diego. February 2010 (Poster).
Dr. Yohshiro Komatsu MD
- At Institution Since: 2016
- Program Director Since : 2024
- Board Certification: Not Certified
Society Memberships
SAGES
SSAT
Areas of Expertise
Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery, with Robotic and Endoscopic surgical approaches and diagnosticsTeaching Qualifications
Summary of Qualifications
EDUCATION:
- Doctor of Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine (Tokyo/Japan), 2005
TRAINING:
- Resident (Surgery), 4/2005-3/2007, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine (Shizuoka/Japan), Department of Surgery
- Clinical Fellow (Surgery), 4/2007-3/2010, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine (Shizuoka/Japan), Department of Surgery
- Clinical Fellow (MIS/advanced endoscopy), 11/2013-6/2016, Minimally invasive and endoscopic thoracic surgery program, Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network (Pittsburgh/USA)
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
- Medical Staff of Emergency Room, 4/2007-3/2010, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine (Shizuoka/Japan), Department of Emergency Medicine
- Medical Staff of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, 4/2007-10/2010, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine (Shizuoka/Japan), Department of Emergency Medicine
- Staff Surgeon, Teaching assistant, 4/2010-10/2010, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine (Shizuoka/Japan), Department of Surgery
- Postdoctoral research associate, 11/2010-6/2012, Esophageal Research, Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, Heart, Lung, and Esophageal, Surgery Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh/USA)
- Research study coordinator, 7/2012-10/2013, Esophageal and Thoracic Research Institute for the Treatment of Esophageal and Thoracic Disease, Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network (Pittsburgh/USA)
- Staff Physician, 7/2016-present, Esophageal Institute, Allegheny Health Network (Pittsburgh/USA)
CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE, DEA:
- Japanese National Board of Medical License, #449796, 3/2005
- Board of General Surgery, Japan Surgical Society #0575864, 7/2010, (Renewed in 4/2016)
- ECFMG Certificate, 1/2013, (STEP1 10/2012, STEP2CK 7/2012, STEP2CS 1/2013)
- USMLE STEP3, 5/2013
- Pennsylvania state license: Medical Physician and Surgeon (MD450147), 9/2013
- LINX Reflux Management System Completion of Training Requirements, 6/2016
- Certification da Vinci System training as a console surgeon, 8/2019
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE:
- Japan Surgical Society 4/2005-present
- The Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery 4/2005-present
- Japan Surgical Association 4/2005-present
- Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society 4/2007-present
- Japanese Association for Acute Medicine 4/2007-present
- Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine 4/2007-present
- Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery 4/2009-present
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 7/2016-present
- The Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract 12/2017-present
Division of Time
Percentage of Time Spent in Clinical Activity:
90%
Percentage of Time Spent in Research
Activity:10%
Case Load as Reported By Fellow(s)
1 Fellow(s) performed 43 cases with 43 procedures during the 2025-2026 Fellowship Year.
3 Fellow(s) performed 1369 cases with 1783 procedures during the 2024-2025 Fellowship Year.
List of Contributing Faculty
| Kirsten Newhams MD, MPH | 40% |
| Area of Expertise MIS esophageal and gastric conditions, endoscopic surgical techniques and diagnostics |
|
| Role in Training Attending Physician |
|
| Yoshihiro Komatsu MD | 30% |
| Area of Expertise MIS esophageal and gastric conditions, endoscopic surgical techniques and diagnostics |
|
| Role in Training Attending physician |
|
| Shahin Ayazi MD | 30% |
| Area of Expertise MIS esophageal and gastric conditions, endoscopic surgical techniques and diagnostics; Basic and Translational Research - Esophageal disease and oncology |
|
| Role in Training research and physiology testing expert |
|
Accreditation History
| Director | Program | Length | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirsten Newhams | Foregut | 2 | 2025 | 2027 |
Tours will be considered per fellowship guidleines.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhoMKd4qqStU8PvHasdlPA