Thoracic Surgery Fellowship

A Message from the Program Director

Welcome to the Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program at King Hussein Cancer Center, and thank you for your interest in joining us.

Our program provides a high-standard, enriching experience for fellows preparing to become skilled, board-certified thoracic surgeons in Jordan. With a comprehensive mix of clinical training and hands-on surgical experience, we perform a wide range of thoracic malignancy procedures, including complex resections.

As pioneers in Jordan, we offer minimally invasive approaches, including video-assisted and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries, ensuring our fellows are trained in the latest advancements. In addition, we encourage active participation in research, allowing you to expand your knowledge and contribute to the field.

Under the guidance of our experienced surgeons, you will gain the expertise and confidence needed to excel in surgical theaters. The variety of cases and surgical approaches you encounter will broaden your skills and shape your future career.

Beyond training, this journey is about personal and professional growth. Engage with your colleagues, seek support, and make the most of the experiences ahead. We are here to mentor and support you as you take your next steps toward becoming an exceptional thoracic surgeon.

Welcome to the Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program!

Riad Abdeljalil, MD

Associate Member
Consultant, Thoracic surgeon
Head of thoracic surgery unit and program director of the fellowship
Head, lung Tumor Service

Faculty

Riad Abdeljalil MD; consultant and head of unit.
Abdelatif Alibrahim MD; consultant.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is structured around the Jordanian Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Milestones, supplemented by additional goals established by the Jordanian Medical Council. These objectives are built upon six core competencies essential for the development of a skilled thoracic surgeon:

Patient Care and Technical Skills
Medical Knowledge
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Professionalism
System-Based Practice

The program integrates both clinical and classroom-based learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience:

Clinical Teaching: Training takes place in the operating room, inpatient wards, and outpatient clinics, providing hands-on experience in managing thoracic conditions and performing complex surgical procedures.
Classroom Teaching: Fellows participate in lectures, small group discussions, and simulation-based learning, reinforcing theoretical knowledge and technical skills.
External Learning Opportunities: When appropriate, fellows are encouraged to attend courses offered by industry partners, professional societies, and other institutions, further enriching their education and exposure to advancements in the field.

Our goal is to equip fellows with the expertise, confidence, and professionalism required to excel in thoracic surgery while fostering a lifelong commitment to learning and innovation.

Clinical training

The Thoracic Surgery Fellowship is a three-year program affiliated with Al-Basheer Community Hospital.

For two years, fellows train at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), focusing on the management and surgical treatment of thoracic malignancies, including:

Lung cancer
Chest wall tumors
Mediastinal tumors
Diaphragm resection and reconstruction
Esophageal cancer

For one year, fellows train at Al-Basheer Community Hospital, gaining experience in the management of benign thoracic diseases and trauma, ensuring a comprehensive skill set in thoracic surgery.

Clinical Experience

Fellows work closely with program faculty to provide comprehensive care in ambulatory, inpatient, and outpatient surgical settings. Additionally, rotations with pulmonary and gastroenterology (GI) services offer hands-on experience in bronchoscopy and endoscopy, essential skills for thoracic surgery practice.

A typical weekly schedule includes:

3–4 clinic days/half-days
3 operative days/half-days
Participation in on-call duties and after-hours clinical or surgical care to maximize educational opportunities.

Didactic Training

Fellows participate in a structured academic curriculum, featuring:

Departmental conferences, seminars, and multidisciplinary discussions throughout the academic year.
Coordination and presentation of morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences.

Research Training

Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in ongoing or new research projects, with opportunities to:

Present at regional and national meetings.
Contribute to manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Career Development

Regular one-on-one meetings with the program director provide support for career planning, goal-setting, and professional growth.

Evaluation

Fellows receive formal evaluations from supervising faculty after each clinical rotation.
Quarterly meetings with the program director ensure progress is monitored, technical skills are developed, and educational goals are met.

This structured and dynamic fellowship offers a well-rounded training experience to prepare fellows for a successful career in thoracic surgery.