Ascension Illinois/Saint Joseph (Chicago) Program

The Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago General Surgery Residency offers an exceptional training program designed to equip residents with comprehensive knowledge necessary for a successful career in surgery. The program emphasizes mentor-based training, providing residents with the ability to engage closely with faculty and gain a solid foundation in surgical competencies, enriched by the absence of subspecialty residents or fellows. This model ensures that residents are well-prepared for board examinations and independent practice by the end of their training period 1.

Program Structure

The residency accepts two categorical and two preliminary surgery residents each year, fostering a close-knit educational environment. The majority of training occurs at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago, with residents also spending six months on surgical subspecialty rotations at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and additional rotations in various surgical disciplines across the city 1.

Clinical Rotations

First-year residents start with rotations in general surgery, surgical oncology, vascular, and bariatric/minimally invasive surgery services, alongside night float responsibilities. They gain hands-on experience managing preoperative and postoperative care while also gaining significant procedural experience, such as central line placements. In their second year, residents rotate through outside hospitals, including pediatric surgery and trauma units, transitioning into more complex cases as they advance 3.

By the third and fourth years, residents serve as chief residents, overseeing surgical services and increasing their operative autonomy with diverse outside rotations, including endocrine and thoracic surgery. The fifth year culminates in role as chief surgical residents, leading the major surgical teaching service and receiving training in robotic-assisted surgery 3.

Curriculum and Didactics

The curriculum is structured around a progressive educational model, culminating in weekly educational conferences, including journal clubs, morbidity and mortality meetings, and skills labs that support residents' hands-on training. Residents also engage in quality improvement projects and are encouraged to participate in research activities under the mentorship of dedicated faculty 4.

Research Opportunities

Research at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago is an integral component of the residency program, fostering critical analysis skill development through required quality improvement projects. Residents are supported in presenting their research findings at national and international conferences, enhancing their academic footprint in the field of surgery 1.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers a competitive salary structure starting at $63,691 for PGY-1 residents and progressively increasing with each year of training. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 20 days of vacation/sick/educational leave, and support for additional learning through educational stipends. Other perks involve free on-site parking and access to a 24-hour library with online resources 5.

Visa Sponsorship and International Applicants

The program actively supports international applicants, sponsoring both H1B and J1 visas. It encourages diversity by accepting graduates from both US and international medical schools, with a preference for candidates with strong USMLE scores and significant clinical experience 6.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This program is known for its competitive nature, with an emphasis on exceptional academic performance, specifically aiming for a USMLE score of 240 or above on first attempts. Only applicants who have graduated within the last five years are favored, reflecting the program’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of candidate proficiency 7.

Unique Aspects

The absence of surgical fellows and subspecialty residents distinguishes this program, allowing general surgery residents unmatched early operative exposure and autonomy. The small cohort ensures a high degree of mentorship and direct involvement with diverse cases facilitated by a dedicated faculty 2.

Overall, the Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago General Surgery Residency is an exemplary program for aspiring surgeons who seek rigorous training in a supportive and resource-rich environment.