Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Akron General Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General is a five-year surgical training program that is designed to provide a comprehensive education in general and subspecialty surgery. The program's structure integrates extensive clinical exposure, a robust curriculum, and access to advanced surgical techniques and technologies.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured across five years, beginning with fundamental principles in patient care and advancing to chief resident responsibilities. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, ensuring that residents develop the skills necessary to perform a wide variety of surgical procedures competently.

Yearly Structure

• PGY-1: Residents spend the first year primarily on general surgery rotations alongside critical care, trauma, and various surgical subspecialties to build a foundational surgical skill set.
• PGY-2: Focus shifts towards more complex surgical cases and subspecialties such as transplantation surgery.
• PGY-3: Residents are introduced to pediatric surgery, burns, and vascular/thoracic surgeries, further enhancing their surgical exposure.
• PGY-4: The focus is predominantly on general surgery, where residents perform as chief residents in the clinical setting.
• PGY-5: Chief residency duties, with opportunities to manage service and lead surgical teams.

Throughout this training period, residents participate in diverse operative experiences, averaging over 1200 cases by the completion of their training.

Clinical Rotations

The residency program offers a variety of clinical rotations across different facilities:

• Akron General Medical Center: Primary site for rotations including trauma, vascular surgery, surgical critical care, and general surgery.
• Akron Children's Hospital: Pediatric surgery and burn rotations are conducted here ensuring a diverse clinical experience.
• The Cleveland Clinic Foundation: Offers advanced training in transplantation and specialty surgical care.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research throughout their training. The program fosters an environment where residents can work on original research projects, with dedicated time for research meetings and mentorship opportunities. Participation in research conferences and publication of findings is highly encouraged.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program prides itself on its Level I Trauma designation verified by the American College of Surgeons, which enhances the breadth of training residents receive during trauma rotations. The integration of teaching rounds and weekly conferences, such as Morbidity and Mortality Conference and various surgical review sessions, reinforces learning and application of clinical knowledge.

Skills Lab and Advanced Technologies

Residents have access to a state-of-the-art Surgery Skills Lab, which includes equipment for practicing minimally invasive surgical techniques and simulation training for various procedures. This lab is a valuable resource for hands-on instruction, ensuring that residents gain practical experience in a controlled environment.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The General Surgery Residency at Akron General is competitive, welcoming both MD and DO graduates, and is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates must submit their applications through ERAS, providing a complete application package that includes standardized test scores (USMLE or COMLEX), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program sponsors H-1B and J-1 visas, making it accessible for international candidates. A significant aspect of the application process is the requirement for satisfactory first-attempt scores on USMLE Step 1 and 2 or COMLEX Level 1 and 2.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers sponsorship for H-1B and J-1 visas, accommodating international medical graduates who seek to train at the institution. This aspect broadens the potential applicant pool significantly, ensuring a diverse residency cohort.

Supportive Environment

Akron General is known for its commitment to resident education and well-being. The department emphasizes a supportive and collegial atmosphere, allowing residents to thrive academically and personally. The combination of community hospital benefits with major academic affiliations creates a unique learning environment.

This rigorous training program designed for general surgery residents not only develops surgical skills but also cultivates future leaders in the surgical field, preparing residents for either private practice or fellowship opportunities after completing the residency.

For more details and insights into the residency program, prospective candidates can refer to the Graduate Medical Education manual and the various informational resources offered by the institution.