Berkshire Medical Center Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is a well-established program with a strong emphasis on providing a comprehensive learning environment for aspiring general surgeons. The program offers 10 categorical positions for initial accreditation and received a five-year reaccreditation status from the American Osteopathic Association.

Residents in this program are exposed to a wide variety of surgical fields, including urology, neurosurgery, ENT, surgical oncology, and plastic surgery. They also have opportunities for away rotations at various institutions to gain specialty experience in fields like pediatric surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and trauma surgery.

A unique aspect of the program is the focus on clinical research, which is strongly encouraged and required for all senior residents. The curriculum aligns with ACGME and AOA requirements, and successful completion of the program makes trainees eligible to sit for the American Board of Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery examinations.

Application requirements include having graduated within five years of applying, submitting COMLEX scores of 500 or higher, and providing three recommendation letters in addition to a Dean's Letter. The program receives approximately 300 applications each year and typically schedules interviews from October to December.

The program offers a competitive salary structure and educational benefits that include allowances for books, journals, and professional society dues. Additionally, residents have access to various health benefits, including health insurance options and professional liability insurance.

Overall, Berkshire Medical Center's General Surgery Residency Program provides a robust educational experience with a high case volume, diverse surgical exposure, and a strong focus on research and scholarly activities.