Genital Reconstructive Fellowship Program
Coordinated by Dr. Omer Acar at UI Hospital, the Division of Reconstructive Urology sponsors a special fellowship in genital reconstruction and uro-genital dysfunction, with an emphasis on transgender health relative to gender affirmation surgery. The Fellow is trained and participates in a range of clinical and research activities, including surgical procedures and a host of regular meetings and conferences.
About the Program Heading link
The Genital Reconstruction Fellowship Program at UIH is designed to ensure that upon completion, trainees achieve a comprehensive knowledge of female, functional, and reconstructive urology with a particular focus on gender-affirming genital reconstruction. One of the main educational goals is obtaining self-sufficiency in performing reconstructive procedures such as vaginoplasty, urethroplasty, metoidioplasty, and harvesting of different flap/graft sites. Ultimately, the fellow learns to understand that reconstructive surgery and gender affirming healthcare is not stagnant, is ever changing, and that they must strive to keep up with, and critically evaluate changes in diagnosis and therapy that may arise in the future. These goals are accomplished through interdisciplinary collaboration, participation in a broad range of local and national meetings, and research activities. Our goal is not only to equip trainees with the prerequisite knowledge, abilities, and skills to practice reconstructive surgery independently, but also lead their way to becoming distinguished teachers of future urologists.
Length of Fellowship: This is a 12-month program
Application Process Heading link
- Send your CV, head shot, personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, and the standard UIC graduate medical education form via email to uroed@uic.edu
- Applications for the 2026- 2027 fellowship are being accepted and interviews are being held now.
- We welcome foreign applicants with ECFMG certification. Applicants must have taken USMLE Step1 and Step2CK.
Didactic Resources Heading link
University of Illinois Hospital is utilized for fellow education. The objectives for participation in the clinic are to learn the methods for evaluation of new transgender patients, to develop diagnostic and treatment plans for urologic problems, and to learn continuity of care through follow-up of patients.
Fellow Alumni Heading link
- 2024 Jose Manuel Enrique Quesada Olarte, MD, Urologist – UPMC, Coudersport, PA
- 2023 Ahmad Hefnawy Mohmmad Hefnawy,MD – Ain Shams University, Egypt.
- 2022 Juan Diego Cedeno Gaviria, MD
- 2021 Alexandra Millman, MD – University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- 2020 Omer Acar, MD – University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL