In July 2003, the Washington University Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery (WUFMIS) — a one-year clinical fellowship — was established. Dr. L. Michael Brunt serves as fellowship director. WUFMIS participates in the Fellowship Council Match Program.
The fellowship includes both clinical surgical training and a clinical research component. The fellow works with attending physicians who have significant practices in minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal (GI) and abdominal surgery: L. Michael Brunt, MD; and J. Christopher Eagon, MD. Operative care is provided at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the affiliated Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital in St. Louis County. On average, the fellow is involved in surgical procedures three-and-a-half days a week, serves in the clinic one-half day a week and works on research projects one day a week. A representative case log is shown below. The fellow works during the first month of the fellowship to develop a clinical research program. The remainder of the year is then available for carrying out planned research projects as well as pursuing other academic interests.
| Case | Yearly Total | Percentage |
| Lap gastric bypass |
48 |
22% |
| Lap Nissen |
27 |
12% |
| Lap paraesophageal hernia |
15 |
7% |
| Lap Heller myotomy |
9 |
4% |
| Lap gastric resection |
6 |
3% |
| Lap appy |
6 |
3% |
| Lap incisional hernia |
15 |
7% |
| Lap adrenal |
12 |
5% |
| Lap CBDE |
6 |
3% |
| Other advanced lap |
3 |
1% |
| TOTAL ADVANCED LAP |
147 |
67% |
| Lap chole |
27 |
12% |
| Lap inguinal hernia |
6 |
3% |
| Other basic lap |
6 |
3% |
| TOTAL BASIC LAP |
39 |
18% |
| TOTAL LAP |
186 |
85% |
| Open cases |
33 |
15% |
| TOTAL CASES |
219 |
The application process is open from December through February. Prospective fellows with questions may contact Fellowship Director L. Michael Brunt, MD.