About the CGSO Fellowship Program
Advancing the next generation of surgical oncology leaders.
The Donald L. Morton, MD Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute, part of Providence Saint John’s Health Center, is a nationally recognized ACGME-accredited program offering advanced, hands-on training in the full spectrum of surgical oncology.
Founded by visionary surgeon-scientist Donald L. Morton, MD, our program carries forward his pioneering legacy—uniting technical mastery, translational research, and a collaborative multidisciplinary environment that has shaped surgical oncology for more than three decades.
Our graduates lead cancer programs and academic divisions across the nation—continuing the Morton tradition of discovery, compassion, and excellence in patient-centered cancer care.
Leading with Innovation, Research, and Outcomes-based Training
At the Saint John’s Cancer Institute, the legacy of Donald L. Morton, MD, continues through an extraordinary environment where innovation and mentorship define every stage of surgical oncology training. Fellows join a dynamic, multi-campus network that bridges leading cancer centers across Southern California—immersing themselves in advanced cancer surgery, translational research, and hands-on collaboration with pioneering faculty.
At Saint John’s Cancer Institute, discovery isn’t abstract—it happens in the operating room, in the lab, and at the patient’s bedside.
We believe training the next generation of surgical oncologists means combining world-class operative volume with bench-to-bedside research and mentorship that lasts a career. Explore six short videos in which faculty share how our fellowship delivers on its promise—from surgical innovation to multidisciplinary research to personal life-balance in Santa Monica.
Prospective Fellows
The Donald L. Morton, MD Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute offers an intensive, two-year ACGME-accredited training program designed to shape the next generation of leaders in surgical oncology. Each year, four fellows are selected to participate in advanced multidisciplinary training that combines high-volume operative experience, translational research, and individualized mentorship. An optional third year in basic science research is available for candidates who wish to deepen their laboratory and investigative skills.
Candidate Eligibility
Applicants must have:
- Completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency
- Achieved board eligibility in general surgery
- Met requirements for California medical licensure
Curriculum and Rotations
The fellowship’s two-year core curriculum integrates 18 months of inpatient and outpatient surgical oncology training with four months of protected research and longitudinal rotations through medical and radiation oncology, pathology, genetics, and biostatistics—ensuring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation.
Fellows train primarily at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, with additional rotations through Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, The Angeles Clinic, UCLA, Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles, Providence Saint Jude Medical Center, and Providence Holy Cross Medical Center—offering exposure to a diverse spectrum of surgical oncology practices across Southern California.
Sample Rotation Schedule
1st Year |
2nd Year |
|---|---|
| 3 months Mixed Tumor Service (Head & Neck, Colorectal, Foregut, Sarcoma) |
1 month Breast Service |
| 3 months HPB/GI | 1 month Medical Oncology |
| 3 months Melanoma | 1 month Radiation Oncology |
| 1 month Breast | 3 months Research |
| 1 month Endocrine | 6 months HPB/GI Service |
| 1 month Research | — |
Rotating Research and Didactic/Curriculum (Lectures, Board Reviews, Journal Clubs etc) Conference (weekly)
- Week 1: Lecture (by Faculty or Senior Fellow or Allied Health/ Support Oncology)
- Week 2: Research Presentations (x2 30 mins each)
- Week 3: Research Lecture/ Landmarks Papers Review
- Week 4: Oral Boards Review (2-year Rotating schedule)
Academic and Research Development
This unique multicenter program bridges clinical expertise with translational science, preparing fellows to lead in both academic and practice-based settings. Fellows participate in weekly tumor boards, lectures, and national conferences; present their research at major society meetings; and develop peer-reviewed manuscripts under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Training also includes instruction in clinical trial design, translational protocol development, and grant proposal preparation, ensuring graduates emerge as capable academic clinician–scientists ready to advance the field.
Our Faculty
Click here for CGSO Leadership and Faculty.
How to Apply
The Saint John’s Cancer Institute will participate in the national match program for Complex General Surgical Oncology administered by the NRMP.
- Application
- Recent CV
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- USMLE scores
- ABSITE scores
- Headshot photo
Alumni and Current Fellows
Current CGSO Fellows
CLICK HERE TO VIEW RECENT ALUMNI & CURRENT FELLOWS
Application Support and General Contact
Adrianna Lawrence
Manager, Medical Education
Fellowships@providence.org
Contact Us
Vivian Wu, MD, MPH
Program Director
Vivian.Wu1@providence.org
Ron Wolf, MD, MPH
Assistant Program Director
Ron.Wolf@providence.org
Fellowship Office
Fellowships@providence.org
2200 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Fellow Spotlight
Laura Fluke, M.D., Surgical Oncology Fellow and Class of 2024, Talks DLM Fellowship and Being a Top Gun Surgeon.
Dr. Laura Fluke elucidates her surgical training as a naval surgeon and surgical fellow enrolled in the Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Donald L. Morton Complex Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program.
Learn more about the Legacy of Donald L. Morton, MD.
Laura Morton Rowe provides a personal message for fellows seeking to build upon her father’s legacy of care and innovation.
Fellows, Stephanie Young, MD, MPH, and Wade Christopher, MD, share their experience working in the Donald Morton fellowship program.