Residency Advisor
Pittsfield, MA

Specialty:

Surgery

ACGME Code:

4402400410

NRMP Program Code:

1281440C1, 1281440P1
STEP 230DO FriendlyIMG FriendlyJ1H1BF1

The General Surgery Residency at Berkshire Medical Center provides an exemplary learning environment tailored for individuals aspiring to enter the field of general surgery and pursuing further sub-specialty training. The program emphasizes a comprehensive surgical education that prepares residents to deliver exceptional perioperative care while maintaining a robust foundation in surgical practice.

Resident Experience

The program is designed to offer a holistic and immersive learning experience that focuses on a diverse array of surgical specialties. Over the course of training, residents are exposed to more than 1100 surgical cases across various domains, including but not limited to acute care surgery, trauma, critical care, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), bariatric and robotic surgery, surgical endoscopy, oncology, breast surgery, vascular surgery, thoracic surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, transplant surgery, and cardiac surgery. Additionally, exposure to urology, ENT, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enriching residents' understanding of related fields 1.

Curriculum

As part of the curriculum, residents engage in regular surgical didactic sessions to facilitate ongoing education about current practices and innovations within the field. The program is structured to encompass a balanced blend of clinical practice, surgical skills training, and research opportunities. Dedicated time for scholarly activities promotes the importance of research in the medical profession and is complemented by a monthly resident research forum. This forum encourages collaboration between residents and faculty while allowing residents to present their findings, thereby reinforcing their contributions to advancing medical knowledge 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Berkshire Medical Center General Surgery Residency program is considered highly competitive, accepting two categorical and two preliminary positions annually. Applicants are required to submit their completed ERAS applications, which must include several components such as a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Notably, three letters of recommendation along with a Dean's letter are necessary to complete the application. Applicants should also be prepared to provide acceptable USMLE or COMLEX scores. Specifically, the minimum passing score for the USMLE Step 1 is 229 and for Step 2 is 230; first-attempt results are preferred 1.

Moreover, candidates must have graduated from medical school within five years preceding their application. A crucial guideline is that all COMLEX or USMLE exams must be completed prior to the application for a medical license in Massachusetts, as this is mandated by state law 1.

Research Opportunities

The program strongly endorses research initiatives, motivating residents to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to both individual growth and the broader medical community. Residents are encouraged to present their research at notable regional, national, and international forums, including those organized by various professional societies such as the New England Surgical Society and the American Society of Breast Surgeons 1. Furthermore, the program utilizes resources such as biostatisticians and medical librarians to ensure residents receive the support they need to successfully navigate the research process.

Support for International Applicants

As the residency program is open to international medical graduates, visa support is offered, specifically for J-1 visas, which is ideal for those coming from outside the United States. This facilitates a diverse cohort of residents, contributing to a richer educational environment 2.

Training Sites and Collaborations

Berkshire Medical Center collaborates closely with various prestigious institutions, serving as affiliate sites for residency training. This includes relationships with Baystate Medical Center, the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, offering residents extensive exposure and access to a wide range of clinical settings and subspecialty expertise 2.

Resident Benefits

The program offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote the well-being of residents, including medical and malpractice insurance, a 403(b) pension plan, and both short-term and long-term disability insurance. An Employee Assistance Program is also available to support residents with various personal and professional challenges. These benefits ensure that residents can focus on their training with confidence and support 2.

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Director

Michael R DiSiena, DO
Program Director, General Surgery, Surgical Oncologist, Thoracic Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery,UNECOM and Assistant Professor of Pathology & Surgery, UMMS and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, BU School of Medicine
Appointed Since
July 2013
mrdisiena2005@gmail.com

Program

Program Size

4, 2, 2, 2, 2 (5 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2016

Composition

MD
DO
U.S. IMG
Non-U.S. IMG

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

72 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

12 hours

First Year Salary:

$68,078

First Year Paid Vacation:

20 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

15 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
-
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
0.1X
Residents Career Path
Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
230
Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1, F1
YOG Cutoff:
-

Location

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Population
43,927
Income
$68,386
Education
34.2%
Employment
59.6%
Health
3%
Age
43
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Pittsfield, MA

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    Pittsfield generally has a lower crime rate compared to larger cities. It is considered safe, but like any city, it's always good to practice common safety precautions.
  • Fun Activities
    Pittsfield offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping due to its proximity to the Berkshire Mountains. There are also cultural attractions, museums, and a vibrant arts scene.
  • Climate
    Pittsfield experiences all four seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Fall foliage in the area is especially picturesque.
  • Races and Population
    Pittsfield has a diverse population with various races and ethnicities residing in the city.
  • Education
    Pittsfield has a good school system and is home to several educational institutions, providing learning opportunities for residents of all ages.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in Pittsfield is relatively lower than in big cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
  • Proximity to Larger Cities
    Pittsfield is around 45 minutes to an hour away from Albany, NY, and about 2.5 hours away from Boston, MA, by car. Both cities offer more amenities and entertainment options.
  • Pros
    Scenic location, lower cost of living, outdoor recreational activities, cultural events.
  • Cons
    Limited public transportation, fewer job opportunities compared to larger cities.

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