Pediatric Surgery Residency Training Program
The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, part of Vanderbilt Health, is a two-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to provide exceptional clinical, operative, academic and research experiences for future pediatric surgeons.
As one of the region's leading pediatric referral centers, Monroe Carell cares for children with a broad range of surgical conditions, from common pediatric surgical diagnoses to the most complex and rare disorders. This diverse patient population provides fellows with extensive exposure to advanced surgical care while working alongside nationally recognized faculty in a collaborative academic environment.
Throughout the fellowship, trainees play an integral role in the care of infants, children and adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Fellows participate in all aspects of perioperative care and progressively assume greater responsibility for patient management, operative decision-making and surgical leadership as they develop advanced technical skills and clinical expertise.
The fellowship offers a comprehensive educational curriculum that encompasses the full spectrum of pediatric surgery. Fellows participate in multidisciplinary conferences, including morbidity and mortality reviews, pediatric oncology discussions, radiology conferences, pathology conferences and journal clubs. Additional educational opportunities include faculty-led lectures, case-based discussions and hands-on learning experiences designed to strengthen both clinical knowledge and surgical judgment.
Research and scholarly activity are important components of fellowship training at Vanderbilt. Fellows are encouraged to pursue clinical, translational and basic science research projects while working closely with experienced faculty mentors. The program supports the presentation of scholarly work at regional, national and international meetings and encourages publication in peer-reviewed journals.
As part of a nationally recognized children's hospital and academic medical center, fellows benefit from access to innovative technologies, multidisciplinary expertise and a culture of discovery that advances the field of pediatric surgery. Attendance at major professional meetings, including the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Annual Meeting and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference, is supported to promote professional development and engagement within the pediatric surgery community.
Through rigorous clinical training, meaningful research opportunities, and dedicated mentorship, the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Monroe Carell prepares graduates to become leaders in pediatric surgery and academic medicine.
Facilities & Clinical Training
The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship is based exclusively at Monroe Carell, one of the nation's leading pediatric academic medical centers. As the pediatric hospital of Vanderbilt Health, Monroe Carell serves as a major referral center for Tennessee and the surrounding region, providing fellows with extensive exposure to a diverse and complex patient population.
Monroe Carell is a 271-bed, freestanding children's hospital dedicated to the care of infants, children and adolescents. The hospital is home to 16 pediatric operating rooms and supports a broad range of specialized pediatric services, allowing fellows to gain experience across the full spectrum of pediatric surgical care. As part of a high-volume surgical program, fellows participate in the management of both routine and highly complex surgical conditions while working within multidisciplinary teams committed to exceptional patient outcomes.
The hospital's collaborative environment brings together experts from numerous pediatric subspecialties, providing fellows with unique opportunities to learn from leaders in surgery, critical care, oncology, neonatology, gastroenterology, radiology, and other disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach enhances both the educational experience and the quality of care delivered to patients and families.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Monroe Carell combines the resources of a world-class academic medical center with a longstanding commitment to innovation, research and excellence in pediatric patient care. Fellows benefit from access to advanced technologies, cutting-edge clinical practices and a rich academic environment that supports professional growth and lifelong learning.
Through high-volume clinical exposure, dedicated mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to advancing the field of pediatric surgery, Monroe Carell provides an exceptional setting for pediatric surgical training.
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| Harold N. Lovvorn, III, MD Program Director Professor of Pediatric Surgery | Irving J. Zamora, MD, MPH Associate Program Director Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery |
How to apply
The program is an ACGME accredited two-year subspecialty program. It offers one position annually through the National Residency Match Program (NMRP). All applications should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to the Vanderbilt University / Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt Program (ACGME ID 4454721046).
A complete application is necessary for consideration, including
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Medical school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (3 minimum)
- USMLE Scores Part 1, 2, and 3
- ABSITE transcript
- Any other documents per ERAS
Add applications and requirements will only be accepted via ERAS. Emailed information will not be accepted.
Email Diana Hodges with any questions.
Interviews
An interview is an essential part of our resident selection process. Upon completion of the ERAS application, all materials are reviewed carefully and interview invitations are extended to selected candidates.
A full interview day runs from 7 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m.
Residency interview dates for 2027 have not yet been selected.
