Ascension St Vincent Hospital Indianapolis Program

Ascension St. Vincent General Surgery Residency program aims to train competent general surgeons equipped for community practice, fellowship training, or academia. The program integrates both didactic educational components and extensive operating room experiences. A robust curriculum addresses multiple surgical specialties, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, along with opportunities in colorectal, breast, pediatric surgery, trauma, vascular surgery, and others, emphasizing hands-on learning and clinical practice 1.

Program Structure and Rotations

The program spans five years, offering a comprehensive and structured curriculum that immerses residents in a range of surgical experiences, both inpatient and outpatient. In the first year, the focus is on pre- and post-operative care alongside some hands-on surgical exposure. The second and third years hone surgical decision-making skills and expand involvement in complex surgical procedures. The fourth year increases responsibility across thoracic, vascular, transplant, and surgical oncology, culminating in the fifth year, where the chief resident gains significant autonomy in patient care and surgical practice.

A rotation schedule is as follows:

• PGY-1: 5 months General Surgery, 2 months Trauma, 2 months Vascular, 2 months Thoracic, 1 month Breast.
• PGY-2: 5 months General Surgery, 2 months Trauma, 2 months Vascular, 2 months Pediatric Surgery, 1 month SICU.
• PGY-3: 4 months General Surgery, 3 months SICU, 1 month Transplant, 1 month Cardiac, 3 months Electives.
• PGY-4: 4 months General Surgery, 2 months Trauma/General Surgery, 2 months Vascular, 2 months Pediatric Surgery, 2 months Thoracic.
• PGY-5: 5 months General Surgery, 3 months Colorectal, 2 months Trauma, 1 month Vascular, 1 month Thoracic, 1 month Breast.

Curricular Highlights

Weekly didactic sessions, case conferences focused on morbidity and mortality, and opportunities for research ensure a well-rounded educational experience. While research is encouraged, there is no mandatory research requirement for completion of the program. The program facilitates resident participation in research projects and provides financial support for conference attendance when presenting research findings 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty comprises around 20 full-time general surgeons and specialists from various related fields. They play an essential role in cultivating close mentoring relationships with residents, providing guidance, support, and expert education throughout the residency. The mentorship framework aims to foster both personal and professional growth within a supportive environment 4.

Application Process

For prospective applicants, the program accepts three categorical residents annually through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A minimum of 3 months of U.S.-based, hands-on clinical experience is required, and observerships or research experiences do not qualify as clinical experience. All necessary examinations must be passed within two attempts, and passing scores of approximately 220 on USMLE or COMLEX are referenced as a benchmark. J-1 Visa sponsorship is available, indicating a commitment to supporting international applicants 2.

Training Sites

Residents train primarily at Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis campus, which includes Peyton Manning Children's Hospital and off-campus elective rotations at various U.S. academic institutions. This provides diverse learning opportunities and exposure to specialized surgical practices 5.

Faculty Resources and Resident Support

The residency program actively invests in faculty development, with access to educational resources aimed at improving teaching strategies and communication skills. The program also prioritizes resident wellness, recognizing the potential for burnout and offering support systems to promote work-life balance and emotional well-being 6.