Message from Program Director
The mission of the Vascular Surgery Fellowship is to provide excellent training to general surgeons in all facets of the field of Vascular Surgery and to develop qualified vascular surgery specialists with a skill set that will allow them to care for patients with any kind of vascular pathology.
The program’s goals support the institution’s philosophy of inclusion and diversity. Our division understands the importance of broadening the diversity of vascular surgeons in practice in the United States as a means to address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, particularly regarding outcomes of vascular and cardiovascular diseases.
Westchester Medical Center is the home of the only tertiary care hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital in the Hudson Valley. We are located just 20 minutes north of New York City. We invite you to explore our fellowship and ask any questions that you may have so that we can share the many strengths of our training program with you.
Thank you for choosing to interview for our fellowship training program.
Sincerely Yours,
Romeo Mateo, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, NYMC
Program Director, Vascular Surgery Fellowship, WMC
Attending Surgeon, Division of, Vascular Surgery WMC
Program Overview
The Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical College is a two-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers exceptional training.
Westchester Medical Center Valhalla Campus is the main hospital and the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network; it is the main provider of advanced surgical services in the entire Hudson Valley region. This facility is a 652-bed hospital that provides care in all surgical specialties with the Vascular Division being one of the busiest on campus. This is complemented by the Mid-Hudson Campus, a 243-bed community hospital. This objective is achieved with the help of extremely dedicated and highly trained faculty that have a well-developed camaraderie with all medical professionals at all levels and a staff that maintains daily focus on professionalism, communication, compassion, reliability, initiative, and responsibility of the trainee.
How to Apply
Westchester Medical Center participates in ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service®) & NRMP (National Residency Match Program).
Registration Period Opens: TBD
The prospective applicant must submit the following via ERAS:
- Application
- Personal Statement
- Medical School Transcript
- Four Letters of Recommendations
- MSPE – Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean’s Letter)
- ECFMG certification (if applicable) *
*Westchester Medical Center will accept individuals on J1 Visas sponsored by the ECGMG/Intealth.
The program requirements are as follows:
- Passed by Medical School graduation / Passing each step on the first attempt
- Although not mandatory, research experience is highly valued
- The candidate must possess strong motivation and commitment to Surgery as evidenced by background education, personal statement, research, and letters of recommendation.
- Personality traits: emotional maturity, warmth, and compassion as well as good communication skills
- November 12, 2025: December cycle fellowship applicants may begin submitting their applications through ERAS.
- December 3, 2025: Fellowship programs can begin reviewing applications.
- May 31, 2026: The ERAS 2026 season ends.
- February 4, 2026: The NRMP Match opens, allowing applicants to see their matched positions.
- March 11, 2026: Rank Order Lists (ROLs) can be submitted.
- April 15, 2026: Quota Change Deadline.
- April 29, 2026: Rank Order List Certification Deadline.
Contact Us
Program Director
Romeo Mateo, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, NYMC
Program Director, Vascular Surgery Fellowship, WMC
Westchester Medical Center
[email protected]
914.493.7614
Program Coordinator
Santasia Kerr
Program Coordinator, Vascular Surgery Fellowship
Westchester Medical Center
[email protected]
914.493.7614
Current Fellows
- Zakiur Rahaman M.D. – St. George’s University School of Medicine; Research Fellowship: Vanderbilt University; Surgical Critical Care Fellowship: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine; Surgery Residency: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine