Program Overview:

The global need for solid organ transplants is increasing, and many countries have established robust training programs for transplant surgeons. India has become a leading nation in transplantation, performing over 20,000 transplants annually, including more than 4,000 liver transplants. The UMATC is a major US transplant center, performing over 400 transplants yearly, including approximately 250 kidney, 100 liver, and 20 pancreas transplants. It manages a large volume of patient referrals and provides care to thousands of transplant recipients. The UMATC also offers a comprehensive fellowship program with rotations across kidney/pancreas, liver, and procurement services, along with research opportunities in various areas like cellular biology, immunology, biomarker research, and xenotransplantation. The University of Maryland also houses four NIH-funded basic science laboratories: Bromberg Lab, Mas/Maluf Lab, Meier Lab, and Griffith/Mohiuddin Xenotransplant Lab. Research areas include cellular and molecular biology and immunology, biomarker research, stem/mesenchymal cell research, perfusion technology, large longitudinal clinical databases for organ failure and transplant patients, and heart, liver, and kidney xenotransplant research.

This exchange fellowship aims to bridge training differences between India and the US, benefiting surgeons from both countries. Substantial training differences exist between countries, both in surgical approach and case mix, making this exchange valuable.

Indian Trainee Fellowship at UMATC:

The Indian exchange fellow will participate in all aspects of clinical activities at the UMATC, including:

• Daily rounds
• Operative workups
• Multidisciplinary transplant meetings
• Liver cancer evaluations
• Organ recovery surgeries (facilitated by Infinite Legacy)

Fellows may collaborate on clinical projects and have access to the research laboratories mentioned above. Mentorship will be provided by UMATC faculty.

Application Process for U.S. Trainees (ASTS Fellows) Participating in the Exchange Fellowship in India

• ASTS fellows will apply to the LTSI President (president@ltsi.org.in) and Secretary (secretary@ltsi.org.in) specifying their training needs and preferred center.
• The LTSI will provide a list of Indian transplant centers willing to host ASTS fellows.
• The LTSI will connect the ASTS trainee with the chosen center.
• The ASTS fellow will then communicate directly with the program director of the Indian institute.
• The fellowship duration is 6-8 weeks. Travel and stay expenses are the trainee's responsibility.

Application Process for Indian Trainees:

Steps:

• Online Application: Applicants must submit their applications online. Home and host supervisors must also confirm their approval.
• Application Review by LTSI Panel: Eligible applications will be reviewed by an independent expert selection committee. Two or three reviewers will evaluate each application.
• Application Approval by University of Maryland: While the LTSI reviews applications, the UMATC's acceptance of the fellow is essential. This step needs explicit confirmation from the LTSI regarding the UMATC's role in the final selection.
• On Selection - Apply for CY PAL Traveling Fellowship: Selected candidates can apply for travel support from the Help the Poor Foundation (THTP) under the CY PAL traveling fellowship for Surgeons in Training (up to Rs 1.5 lakhs). Two such fellowships are awarded annually.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Trainees:

• LTSI member in good standing and resident of India.
• Registered fellow in liver transplantation training or young faculty (within 5 years of training completion).
• Fellowship duration: 6-8 weeks.
• Fellowship Start Date: Must be scheduled no earlier than 90 days from the date of application.
• Employee of a relevant institution (university, research lab, hospital) to which they will return.
• Not affiliated with commercial entities, or the tobacco, alcohol, or arms industries.
• Only one fellowship application at a time.

Application Requirements for Indian Trainees:

• Fellowship Period:

- Fellowship start and end dates: Specify start and end dates (Total duration cannot exceed 6 - 8 weeks). This is to come in below mentioned document

• SOP: Upload scanned copy of a write-up on your career objectives in applying to this Fellowship - upto 1000 words (Please Highlight):-

- Facilities in your institution: How learned skills will be implemented and disseminated

- Expected transferable skills: Specific skills and knowledge to be gained.

- work plan: Describe planned activities to be agreed upon with the host supervisor

• Letter from home institution granting permission to travel (format attached)
• Letter from the Head of the program ensuring data entry completion in the ILTR

Completion Report: Successful applicants must submit a completion report within six weeks of fellowship completion.