Englewood Health's one-year breast surgical oncology fellowship, accredited by the Society of Surgical Oncology, trains future leaders in breast surgical oncology in the multidisciplinary management of breast disease. Breast fellows immerse themselves in the learning environment at Englewood Health, engaging in research projects and formal rotations.

About Us

In 2009, The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first NAPBC-accredited breast center in New Jersey. Today, we are honored to be recognized as a Designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

Located within The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center at Englewood Health, our center proudly serves a diverse community of over 1 million individuals. Annually, we conduct more than 35,000 screening mammograms and diagnose over 400 cases of breast cancer. Additionally, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of benign breast conditions.

Our Faculty

Rachelle Leong, MD Headshot

Rachelle Leong, MD, FACS

Breast Surgeon
Fellowship Program Director

Violet M. McIntosh, MD Headshot

Violet M. McIntosh, MD

Chief of Breast Surgery

Jenna Gillen, DO Headshot

Jenna Gillen, DO

Breast Surgeon

Research Opportunities

Breast fellows will begin the program with an initial two weeks dedicated to developing ideas for their research projects. This period will be followed by designated weekly research time throughout their clinical rotations. Fellows will have various opportunities to engage in clinical research tailored to their individual interests. They will gain foundational knowledge in research design, data analysis, and ethical conduct. Throughout the year, fellows will have the opportunity to identify and enroll patients in national clinical trials, with support from the cancer center's clinical research staff.

Clinical Rotations

Throughout the year, fellows will dedicate five months to breast surgery and gain one month of experience in plastic surgery with a focus on reconstruction. Additionally, fellows will participate in formal rotations across several specialties, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, breast imaging, high-risk genetic counseling, pathology, psycho-oncology, integrative medicine, and rehabilitation medicine. They will also engage in community service and outreach, along with a dedicated clinical research rotation.

Meetings and Conferences

Fellows will actively participate in a weekly tumor board and journal club. Additionally, they will attend a bi-monthly lecture series led by the clinical directors on their specific rotations.

Fellows are expected to attend the SSO Fellows Institute and the ASBrS Annual Meeting. They will also be encouraged to present at least one abstract or publication at a national conference of their choice.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a general surgery residency from an ACGME-accredited program in the United States. They should be board eligible or board certified and must be eligible to obtain a New Jersey medical license.

Application and Admissions

Learn more about the application process, including important dates and deadlines, on the Society of Surgical Oncology website. All applications must be submitted through the Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Fellowship match program. 

Contact Information

Rachelle Leong, MD, FACS
Breast Surgeon
Fellowship Program Director
350 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
rachelle.leong@ehmchealth.org
201-894-3893

Cindy Castillo
Fellowship Program Coordinator
cindy.castillo@ehmchealth.org