Train in a leading multidisciplinary environment with nationally recognized faculty and access to innovative research. Our SSO-approved one-year fellowship prepares future leaders in breast surgical oncology.
The Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program at Endeavor Health and the University of Chicago Medicine, is a highly specialized one-year program approved by the Society of Surgical Oncology. Fellows receive immersive, multidisciplinary training in breast disease, encompassing advanced surgical techniques, research, genetics, imaging and oncology.
Fellows rotate at both Endeavor Health hospitals and the University of Chicago, gaining broad exposure to surgical and nonsurgical aspects of breast care. The program aims to produce academic breast surgeons capable of leading complex care teams and advancing the field through education and clinical research.
Our fellows train alongside leaders in breast surgery and oncology, participate in national research initiatives and develop procedural expertise in techniques such as oncoplastics, ultrasound-guided biopsy and robotic nipple-sparing mastectomies.
Program structure & curriculum
Breast Surgery (6 months):
- 4 months with Drs. Catherine Pesce, Katharine Yao, Katherine Kopkash, Liz Poli and TJ Smith
- 2 months at the University of Chicago with Drs. Nora Jaskowiak, Sarah Shubeck and Betty Fan
Multidisciplinary Rotations (6 months):
- Medical oncology – 1 month
- Radiation oncology – 1 month
- Breast imaging – 1 month
- Plastic surgery – 1 month
- Genetics – 2 weeks
- Pathology – 2 weeks
- Psycho-oncology/survivorship – 2 weeks
- Rehab post-breast cancer treatment – 2 weeks
- Weekly breast conference
- Biweekly faculty-led breast lecture series
- Journal Club
- Weekly general surgical oncology conference
- Biweekly breast surgery research meeting
- Monthly clinical trials meeting
- Quarterly breast cancer seminar
- Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium update
Fellows participate in the SIM lab curriculum to develop biopsy skills and learn ultrasound-guided procedures using inanimate models.
Fellows gain hands-on experience in outcomes-based research through the Endeavor Health Research Institute, home to more than 1,000 active projects and 150+ externally funded faculty. Areas of focus include cancer, medical genetics, advanced imaging and outcomes research.
Fellows have the opportunity to engage in a unique outcomes-based research program cultivated at Endeavor Health, which includes facilitated access to the Chicago-based American College of Surgeons and the National Cancer Database (NCDB).
At the start of the program, each fellow selects a faculty-mentored project and shares progress during biweekly laboratory meetings. Fellows are encouraged to present at national conferences and are expected to complete at least two manuscripts for publication by the end of the program.
Training includes:
- Research methods, experimental design and data interpretation
- Scientific writing, grantsmanship and protocol development
- Clinical trial design, biostatistics and epidemiology
- Critical appraisal of literature and evidence-based analysis
Endeavor Health offers a wide range of breast cancer clinical trials. Our multidisciplinary research team, including breast surgeons, oncologists and clinical staff, meets monthly to review trial enrollment and assess future studies.
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency
- Board eligibility through the American Board of Surgery
- Eligibility for medical licensure in Illinois
Application process
- Apply via the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Online Match System
- Required documents:
- CV
- Personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
- USMLE scores
- Medical school transcript
- ECFMG certification (if applicable)
Timeline
- Applications follow the SSO Match calendar
- One fellow accepted annually
Training takes place across two major systems:
Endeavor Health
- Evanston Hospital
- Grainger Center for Simulation and Innovation (SIM Lab)
- Kellogg Cancer Center
University of Chicago Medicine
- Hyde Park campus
- Breast Center led by nationally renowned faculty
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and exposure to urban and suburban patient populations with complex care needs.
- Catherine E. Pesce, MD – Fellowship Program Director; Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology; Clinical Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Katherine Kopkash, MD – Director of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery; Clinical Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Elizabeth Poli, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Thomas (TJ) Smith, MD – Breast Program Director, Swedish Hospital
- Katharine Yao, MD – Vice Chair, Research, Department of Surgery; Clinical Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Betty Fan, DO – Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Nora Jaskowiak, MD – Surgical Director, Breast Center, University of Chicago Medicine; Clerkship Director, Surgery, Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Sarah Shubeck, MD – Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Current fellow
2025-2026
Alexandra Mathews, MD
Graduates
2021-2022
Anna Chichura, MD
Current Position: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland OH
2022-2023
Morta Lapkus, MD
Current Position: Endeavor Health Edward Hospital, Naperville, IL
2023-2024
Callie McAdams, MD
Current Position: Mount Carmel Health System, Grove City, OH
2024-2025
Gabrielle Yee, MD
Current Position: Rush Copley Medical Center, Aurora, IL
Fellowship coordinator
Jordan Kepes
Email: jkepes [at] northshore.org (jkepes[at]northshore[dot]org)
Phone: (847) 570-2560
Fax: (847) 570-2930
Program office
Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship
Department of Surgery
2650 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
