Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Plastic Surgery Residency program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital offers an integrated training track accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This comprehensive program emphasizes broad-based exposure to outpatient clinics, operating rooms, surgery centers, and inpatient wards, allowing residents to experience an extensive range of clinical scenarios.

The faculty involved in this program are well-educated and trained in various subspecialties, with many having undertaken fellowship training, thereby providing residents with a diverse array of clinical and research experiences in plastic surgery. Throughout the residency, residents will attend both faculty-led clinics and resident-driven clinics, enabling them to hone their outpatient management skills effectively 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The training curriculum is structured to offer a thorough grounding in all aspects of plastic surgery, excluding burn care, for which residents attend a formal rotation at the USC/LAC Burn Center. Clinical opportunities include managing congenital defects, performing cosmetic surgeries, handling craniomaxillofacial trauma, and conducting microsurgeries. Residents will also engage in general reconstruction techniques using tissue transfer, such as flaps and grafts, alongside surgery related to neoplasms, breast procedures, and treatments for various skin and soft tissue conditions 4.

Clinical Experience

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is committed to providing residents with substantial clinical exposure. This involvement begins early in their training and builds towards significant responsibilities in the final year. Residents will be expected to independently manage plastic surgical cases, aiding in thorough skill development while ensuring support through supervising faculty 1.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes academic inquiry and research throughout the residency. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects, often working with faculty members to develop their interests further. This aspect of training is essential to fostering a culture of inquiry and academic contribution 6.

Application Process

Applications for the program are accepted only through the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA). Key documents required include three letters of recommendation, a CV, a dean's letter, a personal statement, and transcripts. Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is also necessary. Each year, the program has one categorical six-year position available 5.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This commitment aligns with Dartmouth Health's vision and is integral to the educational environment and culture 5.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates. It typically sponsors J-1 visas, which facilitate residency and fellowship training for non-U.S. citizens. Additionally, other visa types may be considered on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the program's openness to diverse applicants 6.

Competitiveness

The Plastic Surgery Residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock is recognized as a competitive program within the specialty. The program welcomes applications from both U.S. and international medical graduates (IMGs), demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity while maintaining a rigorous selection process focused on the best candidates for training 5.

Facilities

Residents will utilize Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital's extensive facilities, which include a dedicated plastic surgery minor operating room suite for outpatient procedures. The training environment also includes a resource-rich library and conference rooms specifically tailored to meet the resident's educational needs 4.

Life in the Upper Valley

The residency is situated in the picturesque Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont. This area is well-known not just for its scenic beauty but also for its diverse cultural and recreational activities, which enhance the overall living experience for residents amidst their demanding training schedules 6.