BayCare Health System (St. Joseph's Hospital) Program

BayCare General Surgery Residency Program Overview

Welcome to the BayCare General Surgery Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital; your gateway to excellence in surgical education and training. Nestled within the vibrant community of Tampa Bay, the program aims to stand as a beacon of innovation, compassion, and expertise in surgical care. Aspiring surgeons seeking a dynamic learning environment, abundant clinical exposure, and a supportive, collaborative atmosphere will find BayCare their ideal launching pad to a rewarding career in general surgery. With a deep commitment to advancing surgical knowledge, BayCare’s General Surgery Residency Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth and development 1.

Applicant Criteria

Applications will be accepted and reviewed via Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and applicants are selected through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must ensure the following items are included in their electronic application: CV, personal statement, medical school transcripts, medical school performance evaluation (MSPE) or Dean’s letter, official USMLE (Step 1, Step 2CK, Step 2CS), COMLEX (Level 1, Level 2-CE, Level 2-PE), and three letters of recommendation. If applicable, an ECFMG certificate is also required 2.

Initially, BayCare residency programs will not consider applications requiring J1 or H1B visa sponsorship. This highlights that the program is focused primarily on applicants who possess a strong and competitive standing within the domestic pool of medical students 2.

Curriculum

Each year of the residency consists of twelve, month-long block rotations, providing a structured and comprehensive educational experience. Residents have varying schedules tailored to ensure they receive an excellent foundation in general surgery as well as subspecialty care. The overarching goal of the General Surgery Residency is to afford residents graduated responsibilities in all primary components of General Surgery while allowing for appropriate experience in required subspecialties 3.

Didactic Curriculum

The academic half-day (AHD) serves as an alternative to the traditional noon conference curriculum, providing a dedicated, weekly, 4-to-5-hour teaching period. This format is designed to include various topics such as morbidity and mortality, basic science, clinical care, case presentations, board review, journal club, grand rounds, and specific general and subspecialty surgery topics. Special attention is given to wellness topics—spanning physical, mental, and financial well-being—and inclusion and belonging, which underscore BayCare’s commitment to culturally competent care 4.

General Surgery Residency Faculty

The program is led by established faculty members, including the founding program director, who emphasizes commitment to education and research. The faculty’s backgrounds include training from renowned institutions and are recognized for their expertise in surgical oncology, health policy, and innovations in medical education. This collective experience among faculty ensures a well-rounded training experience for residents 5.

Living in Tampa Bay

The BayCare program is set in Tampa Bay, a vibrant and culturally rich location known for its diverse community and recreational opportunities. This setting not only enhances the residency experience but also allows for a balanced lifestyle for residents to maintain both personal and professional growth 1.

Inclusion and Belonging

Inclusion and belonging are fundamental values within the BayCare General Surgery Residency Program, ensuring that all residents are provided with culturally competent training. This commitment is reflected in the curriculum and educational activities, which are designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical practice 1.