AdventHealth Florida (Tampa) Program

The General Surgery Residency at AdventHealth Tampa is committed to providing a comprehensive training experience that prepares residents for the complexities of surgery as well as leadership positions in the field. With a robust curriculum featuring a combination of clinical and operative experiences, rigorous didactic training, and personalized mentorship, the program aims to develop medically competent, compassionate surgeons equipped with the skills necessary to practice in diverse healthcare environments.1

Curriculum Overview

The General Surgery Residency program comprises structured rotations throughout the categorical five levels of education in surgery—PGY 1 to PGY 5—emphasizing a hands-on approach to surgical practices:

PGY-1 Rotations:

• Acute Care Surgery: 2 Blocks
• Electives and Hepatobiliary: 2 Blocks
• Vascular and Thoracic Surgery: 2 Blocks
• Minimally Invasive, Colorectal, and Endoscopy: 2 Blocks
• Anesthesia: 1 Block
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit: 2 Blocks
• Emergency Medicine: 1 Block

PGY-2 Rotations:

• Acute Care Surgery: 2 Blocks
• Electives and Hepatobiliary: 2 Blocks
• Vascular and Thoracic Surgery: 2 Blocks
• Minimally Invasive, Colorectal, and Endoscopy: 2 Blocks
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit: 2 Blocks
• Transplant Surgery: 1 Block
• Trauma Surgery: 1 Block

PGY-3 to PGY-5 Rotations:

The residents engage in progressively advanced courses extending into areas such as pediatric surgery, trauma surgery, breast surgery, and extensive exposure to various surgical techniques through numerous elective blocks, allowing a tailored experience per resident interests and aspirations.

Unique Aspects of the Program

AdventHealth Tampa’s program ensures exposure to both the technical and humanitarian aspects of surgery. Notably, the residents have chances to serve marginalized communities globally, refining their ability to provide care in resource-limited settings, a critical skill in today’s increasingly global healthcare landscape.1

Training Sites

The primary clinical training site, AdventHealth Tampa, boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the newly established Taneja Center for Surgery, which includes:

• 96 private patient rooms with capacity for additional beds
• Multiple cutting-edge operating rooms and pre- and post-op facilities
• Extensive resources that enhance the training experience for surgical residents.

The institution serves as a vital training site, providing diverse cases due to its designation as both a community and a tertiary referral center serving patients from Central Florida and beyond.1

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is known for being highly competitive with a strong preference for U.S. medical graduates from LCME accredited institutions, though it is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet the additional requirements. Visa support is provided, specifically the H-1B visa type, ensuring that international residents who qualify can partake in this enriching program while successfully achieving U.S. medical licensing. The sponsorship of these visas signifies the program's commitment to diversifying its trainees' backgrounds while adhering to necessary medical standards.6

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants are required to submit their candidacy via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The selection process necessitates:

• Completion of all three steps of the USMLE or passing COMLEX scores.
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation
• Evidence of ECFMG certification for international candidates and U.S. citizenship or visa status.
• Graduation from medical school should not exceed four years prior to the residency start date, with no previous ACGME-accredited residency experience.5

Conclusion and Benefits of the Program

The program's comprehensive benefits package includes competitive salaries, medical insurance for residents and dependents, annual educational allowances, relocation reimbursements, tuition support for CMEs, and wellness initiatives, contributing to a balanced and supportive training environment. Overall, the General Surgery Residency at AdventHealth Tampa stands out due to its commitment to producing skilled, compassionate surgeons ready to lead in various practice settings.6