International Minimally Invasive Urology

Overview

The International Minimally Invasive Urology Fellowship at the University of California, Irvine offers training, of varying lengths, to urologists from around the world. International fellows range from residents interested in learning basic minimally invasive technique to established urologists who wish to update their minimally invasive skills. The minimum length of stay is two months and the maximum is two years. If the fellowship is extended for a period of three months or more, fellows are invited to participate in the animal laboratory, where they can get hands on experience with minimally invasive technique. International fellows are also granted access to the Surgical Training Center where they can work with standard box trainers as well as virtual reality training devices to improve laparoscopic and endoscopic skills. International fellows are also welcome to observe all procedures in the Department of Urology as well as procedures in associated disciplines. The combination of training in the skills laboratory, working with the research team in the animal laboratory, and observation in the operating room and cystoscopy suites has allowed many international fellows to develop laparoscopic and endoscopic skills which have been used to initiate minimally invasive urology programs in their home countries.

Fellowship Application Instructions

Initial Step
To initiate application a proposal must be submitted to Dr. Jaime Landman, chairman of the Department of Urology and Program Director at landmanj@hs.uci.edu. A letter of intent describing the applicant's goals, length of proposed fellowship, curriculum vitae, and three letters of support should be included in the proposal. Fellowship opportunities are granted by a review committee on the basis of merit and space availability. An application fee of $150 (US) is required. The check should be made payable to University of California, Irvine

Second Step
After acceptance into the international fellowship program, securing the fellowship will require payment in the amount of an administrative fee of $500 (US). The check should be made payable to University of California, Irvine. Limited scholarships to help defer the administrative costs may also be available.

This check can be mailed to:
University of California, Irvine
Dr. Jaime Landman
Department of Urology
333 City Blvd, West, Suite 2100
Orange, CA 9268
Attn: Griselda Zuno

Third Step
After finalizing your application, you may contact Ms. Griselda Zuno at gzuno@hs.uci.edu for assistance with obtaining a VISA and the completion of other required documents. Information regarding a VISA can also be found at the web site of International Center www.ic.uci.edu The "J" VISA is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the U.S. Department of State, entitled "Exchange Visitor Program." Please be advised that the processing time for a J-1 Visa is currently 3 months.

Prior to arrival in the United States, Please complete Form A with prior approval from Dr. Jaime Landman and return it as soon as possible to the address listed below. The International Center Office will send you the original copy of the DS 2019 which you should keep with you at all times. Your program should begin within 30 days of your specified start date on your DS-2019 form.

Office Address:
Griselda Zuno
Department of Urology
333 City Blvd, West, Suite 2100
Orange, CA 92868

To obtain the J-1 VISA, you must apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. To do so, you will need the following documentation:

• Form DS-2019. The exchange visitor must complete and sign the bottom portion of the DS-2019
• If your family is applying for J-2 visas, they will need a DS-2019 issued for J-2 dependents
• Evidence of financial ability to meet expenses
• Evidence of residence abroad and intent to depart the U.S. after completion of the program
• Valid Passport
• “Non-immigrant Visa Application”
• Photographs
• Visa fee
• SEVIS fee ($100)
• Visa reciprocity fee (if applicable)

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate may require additional documentation. You should verify requirements with the embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
Upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry, you and your accompanying family members must present a valid passport with visa and Form DS-2019. Be sure to carry all immigrations documents with you on the plane (not in your luggage) as you will need them at the inspection station.

Fourth Step
You must arrive two weeks prior to your start date for a Medical Clearance. Please coordinate your appointment for medical clearance with Ms. Griselda Zuno via email at gzuno@hs.uci.edu

The documents Ms. Zuno will need to submit include:

• Clinical Observer Form Signed by Visiting Fellow
• Copy of your Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of Passport
• Copy of Health Insurance Card (The Department of Urology is unable to provide health insurance for international fellows)

Fifth Step
Upon arrival in the United States:

1. Report to the International Center before the start date of your program. Upon your arrival in the US, and before the start date on your DS 2019 (found in section 3), you must check in with the UCI International Center (IC) so that your SEVIS record can be validated. Please complete a CHECK IN FORM (found at NEW SCHOLARS) and make photo copies of the important immigration documents listed below (and those of J-2 dependents) and bring to the IC:

• Biographical page of your passport
• J visa
• I-94 card (small white card given at port of entry)
• Stamped DS 2019
• J Orientation receipt (see Step 2 below)

IC Check-In hours: M, Tu, Th, F between 9am and 12pm.
* Please note the International Center is closed on Wednesdays.

Office Address:
International Center
University of California, Irvine
500 E. Peltason Drive
Irvine, CA
Tel: (949) 824-7249
Fax: (949) 824-3090

In addition to reporting to the International Center you must contact Ms. Griselda Zuno. After checking in with the IC, you will receive written confirmation of your successful check-in to take to Ms. Zuno to initiate the employment process required for you to have access to UCI facilities and resources.

2. Complete J-1 Scholar Orientation
The US Dept. of State requires that all J scholars attend a J Orientation which is available at the International Center website .
When you have completed the orientation, you must print out a receipt which you include when you check in at the IC.

3. Apply for a Social Security Number
You must apply for a Social Security number if you do not have a Social Security number from a previous U.S. visit. Instructions can be found on the IC website.
NOTE: Your SEVIS record must be validated prior to applying for the Social Security Number otherwise your record will not appear in the Social Security database.

Accommodations
The Department of Urology is unable to provide housing for international fellows. However, prior fellows have had success working with several organizations. Information on accommodations can be obtained from many web sites. The International Newsletters has valuable information about J-1 Visa, taxes, and maps. Please visit the link below: http://www.ic.uci.edu/forms/ScholarNewsletter.pdf

Housing
Housing in the Irvine area may be expensive. We recommend that you make your housing arrangements prior to coming to Irvine, if at all possible. Your UCI department will likely provide some assistance to you. Below are some links that may assist you
Off-Campus Housing
UCI Irvine Campus Housing Authority
The Irvine Apartment Communities
Craig's List