Abrazo Health Network Program

The Abrazo General Surgery Residency Program offers a comprehensive five-year training designed to prepare residents for careers as competent and skilled general surgeons. The program began in June 2019, accommodating three new residents each year and emphasizing collaboration among residents, faculty, and staff to serve community needs effectively.

Program Vision and Mission

The vision of the program centers around a collaborative approach, fostering an environment where residents, faculty, and staff work together to address the healthcare needs of the community. The mission emphasizes providing the necessary skills to care for individuals anywhere, at any time, highlighting values such as strong procedural skills, excellence in quality improvement, foundations in evidence-based medicine, and grassroots innovation.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is structured using a mentorship-based approach, ensuring that residents gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced faculty. Residents engage in various training experiences, including access to Midwestern University’s library resources for research, a simulation lab equipped with advanced training tools, and dedicated spaces for educational activities.

Rotations and Electives

Interns experience a variety of rotations across subspecialty surgical practices, general surgery, and pathology. Elective rotations are vital, providing exposure to diverse surgical fields, thereby enhancing the residents' training further.

Educational Activities

The program includes a robust didactic component, with monthly grand rounds, weekly basic science conferences, and a monthly journal club that encourages scholarly activity among residents. Skills and simulation lab sessions ensure residents practice essential techniques in a controlled environment. Weekly clinical conferences and morbidity and mortality conferences provide platforms for residents to discuss clinical cases and enhance their learning experiences.

Salary and Benefits

Residents in the Abrazo General Surgery residency program receive a competitive salary that increases annually. Starting salaries for each year are as follows: $54,539 for the first year, $57,155 for the second year, $59,966 for the third year, and $63,332 for the fourth year, with information on the fifth year salary pending.

Benefits include medical and dental coverage, life and disability insurance, and an employee retirement plan, all effective from the first day of residency. Residents also enjoy 21 vacation days and six paid holidays during the academic year. Additionally, the program covers the costs associated with certifications such as ACLS, ATLS, and BLS.

Application Process

To apply for the program, applicants must submit their applications through the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application System). It is imperative that applicants are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Notification for interviews will be conducted via email once applications have been reviewed. Furthermore, the program matches through the NRMP (National Residency Matching Program), so applicants are encouraged to refer to the NRMP website for further details on the matching process.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. Therefore, it does not provide visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs) or those not meeting these criteria, making it less accessible for non-U.S. applicants.

Competitiveness

The Abrazo General Surgery Residency Program is regarded as competitive, with an emphasis on selecting candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to general surgery and a passion for serving diverse populations.

Residency Faculty

The faculty includes experienced and dedicated surgeons, such as the program director, who specializes in general and bariatric surgery and is committed to training the next generation of surgeons. Faculty members have backgrounds in various surgical fields, contributing to a comprehensive educational environment.

Additional Resources

Residents have access to resources that enhance their education and training, including a simulation lab for hands-on practice and easy access to educational tools necessary for their professional development.