Creighton University East Valley Arizona Program

Experience a comprehensive general surgery residency through the Dignity Health East Valley Program in Chandler, Arizona, which emphasizes leadership, clinical excellence, and research within a culture of humankindness. The program is committed to developing competent and compassionate surgeons who excel not only as clinicians but as advocates for their communities. Each resident’s journey is enriched by supportive faculty and exceptional training facilities that collectively prioritize well-being, inclusivity, and innovation.

Training Facilities

The program is anchored in two state-of-the-art medical centers: Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, both known for providing diverse surgical opportunities. Chandler Regional is a 429-bed, Level I Trauma Center, equipped with advanced technologies and resources essential for effective surgical education 1. Meanwhile, Mercy Gilbert boasts a healing environment and a commitment to quality care, offering experiences across various surgical specialties 1. Additionally, residents engage in rotations at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Valleywise Health, particularly for specialized pediatric and burn cases.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to cultivate well-rounded surgeons through a holistic educational approach that encompasses both technical skill and knowledge in healthcare business practices. It consists of a competency-based, two-year cycle focusing on essential surgical education pillars such as laparoscopic and robotic simulation, patient safety, and quality improvement 4. Regular didactic sessions, including weekly case-based teachings and quarterly wellness activities, are integrated to ensure comprehensive learning 4.

Rotations

The general surgery residency features a diverse rotation schedule across different specialties, allowing residents to gain hands-on experience and refine their surgical skills under guided supervision. Examples include rotations in general surgery, trauma/acute care, vascular surgery, and pediatric surgery, among others, structured across the five years of training 12. This approach ensures residents develop a well-rounded surgical foundation and expose them to a rich variety of surgical cases.

Simulation Lab and Skills Training

The advanced Simulation Lab at Chandler Regional Medical Center allows residents to engage with cutting-edge technologies and practice a wide range of surgical techniques through immersive training. The laboratory includes high-fidelity task trainers, allowing residents to simulate complex medical or trauma scenarios, thus enhancing their clinical preparedness 11. Furthermore, residents benefit from rigorous training in both laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery aligned with the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) curricula 10.

Clinical Research

An integral component of the Dignity Health surgical residency program involves engaging in clinical research initiatives. Residents are encouraged to pursue scholarly activities supported by faculty mentorship through the Dignity Health Research Institute. Access to essential resources like statistical analysis tools, research databases, and collaboration opportunities enhances residents’ ability to contribute to meaningful advancements in surgical care 2.

Faculty and Mentorship

The residency program prides itself on a robust faculty dedicated to mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty members are accessible and committed to fostering a culture of respect and support, enabling residents to flourish as surgeons and individuals 5. The diverse expertise of the faculty spans multiple specialties, ensuring well-rounded exposure and learning opportunities for all residents.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program is known for being competitive; however, it remains open to applicants from various educational backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Prospective applicants are typically expected to have completed medical school within a specified time frame and demonstrate comprehensive exam performance, including the USMLE or COMLEX 3. Furthermore, international candidates may benefit from visa sponsorship options, such as J-1 or H-1B visas, to facilitate their training experience within the program 3.

Community and Culture

The training environment promotes a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing the need for residents to maintain personal wellness amid demanding schedules. The program hosts retreats and wellness sessions designed to foster relaxation and mindfulness 1. Dignity Health’s commitment to humankindness informs interactions within the training milieu, encouraging kindness and empathy across all professional and patient encounters.