Clinical Fellowships Program

Application Requirements

To be considered for a fellowship, you must submit the following. Note that applicants must be able to interview in person at their own expense.

• Current CV
• Three letters of recommendation including one from current Program Director and Research Director
• Current visa status (if applicable)
• Copy of medical school diploma
• Submit three academic publications in which applicant is first or second author
• TOEFL or IELTS scores if a resident of a non-English speaking country (tests proficiency in the English language)
• Personal statement of research interests
• Intended start date
• Headshot photo

To submit an application or for more information, please contact Ashley Fialkowski at [email protected] or 407-303-4926.

• One-hour orientations with GRI Administrators to become better oriented with our program and institute.
• Final Cut Video Editing curriculum with GRI Digital Coordinator.
• CITI research ethics training and project updates with GRI Research RN.
• Intuitive and Simulation Training at Nicholson Center using cutting-edge technologies.
• Observe and assist in Dr. Patel’s surgeries.
• Submit written updates on research progress to research team
• Weekly or bi-weekly collaborative meetings with our affiliated institutions. This can include the Department of Defense, Sanford Burnham Research Institute and University of Central Florida Medical School.
• Attend and present at Urology Journal Clubs and Tumor Boards.
• Understand procedures and meet with/learn from Celebration pathologist and medical oncologist
• Weekly written updates on research progress must be provided to research team. This is to better understand your progress, plus provide appropriate assistance and direction.
• Eight-week training with robotic coordinator on operating room procedures and standards.
• Participate in publication of research
• Provide patient care consulting services, surgery and inpatient services under the supervision of the Medical Director.
• Bill in accordance with Medicare guidelines
• Take call as designated by the Director.
• Must be eligible for State of Florida training license.
• Must be eligible for malpractice as determined by the AdventHealth Trust.

We are also a member of the Endourological Society Fellowship Program and offer one slot each year to incoming fellows who apply through this program. These fellows complete the same duties and curriculum as our standard fellowship. For more information on this program, click here.

Unfortunately, we cannot support J-1 Visas. You must be eligible for an H1B Clinical Visa. H1B Clinical Visa requires completion of steps 1, 2, and 3 of the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).

The Global Robotics Institute is part of the AdventHealth, the largest protestant, not-for-profit health care system in the country. It is rooted in the mission of Seventh-Day Adventist health care.

These inform the core values found in our Performance Excellence Program for all facilities within the health system. Through their behavior, fellows will demonstrate the core values of Integrity, Compassion, Balance, Excellence, Stewardship and Teamwork out-lined within the program.

You must also fulfill all requirements detailed within our Fellowship Contract and Fellowship Manual, plus:

• Teach both hospital and practice personal, as well as visitors, as requested.
• Complete research projects as assigned by the Program Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure a complete educational experience and smooth operations of the department.

In addition to an excellent clinical educational experience in a leading-edge research and medical facility:

• We will cover the cost of your visa if you are not being sponsored by an outside institution
  (H1B Clinical Applicants Only)
• We will cover the cost of your malpractice and Florida Medical License
• We will cover health benefits for you and your family at no cost to you
• You will receive 20 paid days off of your choosing, used with pre-approval of the Program Director

Sao Paulo, Brazil

• Director, Department of Robotic Surgery, Brazilian Society of Urology.
• Chief of Urologic Oncology, University of Sao Paulo.

Brisbane, Australia

• Started the robotic surgical programs at the Royal Brisbane, Women’s Hospital in Queensland and Wesley Hospital in Brisbane.
• His practice is subspecialized to robotic surgery for prostate, bladder and kidney disorders.
• Published many peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters on robotic surgery.
• Assistant Professor in Urology by the University of Central Florida and Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland.

Seoul, South Korea

• Currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Urology at the Korea University Medical Center.
• Member of the Academic, Public Relations, Publications, and Informatics Committee of the Korean Urological Oncology Society.
• He also serves as the chair in the Korean Prostate Society and as a member of the Ethics committee for the Korean Endourological Society.

Gyeongsan, South Korea

• Assistant Professor, Yeungnam University Medical Center, South Korea.
• Award winner for multiple research abstract and presentations.

Windermere, FL

• Fellow with Dr. Patel from 2007- 2015.
• In 2006, Dr. Palmer co-founded the first robotic surgery program in Latin America.
• Served as Director of the Global Robotics Institute - Latin America.

Milan, Italy

"GRI is a professional experience that changes your life. Dr. Patel boosts your surgical skills and supports your career whenever and wherever you want to setup your program. When you have been a GRI Fellow, you will always feel as a part of the team! The best TEAM!"

• Currently serves as Urologist at Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan.
• Scientific Director, Ricerca e Terapia in Urologia Foundation (RTU), which has received grants for more than $7million for the development of new technology in urology.
• Has over 100 peer-reviewed articles.
• Performed over 500 robotic-assisted prostatectomies.

Chennai, India

• Currently serves as Consultant Urologist and Clinical lead over Robotic Surgery at Apollo Group Of Hospitals, India.
• Has several publications in peer reviewed journals and served as the managing editor for the Journal of Robotic Surgery from 2010 to 2012.
• Founder and Director of the INDIAN PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION, an organization dedicated to alleviation of suffering from prostate cancer in India.
• Best known as a pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery in South India.