Fellows & Alumni - Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program

I was absolutely thrilled to find out I would be at Ochsner when I matched for fellowship. The program stood out in so many different ways, starting with the passion and enthusiasm the faculty displayed for their profession. The environment was collegial, the fellows were busy but happy and fulfilled, and everyone was very eager to share their experiences both in and out of the OR. The breadth, and complexity, of cases at Ochsner is best in class, and the emphasis on fellow education and operative autonomy is highly appealing. The learning curve is steep transitioning to fellowship, but all the support and training received at Ochsner undoubtedly sets fellows up for success!

I ranked Ochsner as my #1 program because of the breadth and complexity of vascular pathology that is seen during training, including advanced aortic and mesenteric disease to the full range of peripheral arterial, venous, and dialysis access cases.  What struck me most, though, was the mentorship: faculty who were genuinely invested in fellows' development, both in the OR and beyond.  Speaking with past fellows, it was clear they're given real operative autonomy, and trusted to grow into confident, independent decision-makers.  Beyond the program itself, New Orleans' rich culture, food, and music made the city feel like a place I'd genuinely want to call home for two years. Ochsner felt like a place where I could build the foundation for the surgeon I want to become.  

I chose Ochsner because of the incredible breadth of vascular pathology and the opportunity to gain experience across the full spectrum of open and endovascular surgery. From my first interactions with the program, I was struck by how welcoming and collaborative the faculty and fellows were, and it was clear that the program is committed to supporting fellows both professionally and personally. Training in New Orleans was an added bonus—the city's unique culture, incredible food, and vibrant community make it an exciting place to call home during fellowship.