Desert Regional Medical Center Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Desert Regional Medical Center is a 5-year ACGME accredited training program established in July 2023. With an initial intake of six positions in PGY-1 and PGY-2 categories, the program aims to build a distinct educational experience tailored around community-oriented goals. Residents will benefit from clinical training that is enhanced through active involvement with a busy Level 1 trauma center, which manages approximately 5,000 trauma activations yearly, at the Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and its affiliated institutions.

Training sites include several noted healthcare establishments: Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC), Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), City of Hope (COH), and Riverside University Health System (RUHS). These sites will provide residents with a diverse array of surgical experiences, encompassing complex surgical oncology cases specifically at the City of Hope, as well as opportunities in robotic surgery utilizing the DaVinci console dedicated to the program.1

Unique to this program is its strong commitment to serving the underserved populations of the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, promoting the importance of social responsibility in healthcare. This focus prepares residents to excel in a community setting while also encouraging them to pursue subspecialties if they wish. An international rotation is planned with Ecuador for PGY-4 and PGY-5 residents, contingent on achieving full ACGME accreditation.1

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed in accordance with ACGME standards and leverages the clinical acumen of hospital faculty. Residents undergo a structured didactic curriculum that integrates SCORE educational modules, journal clubs, and grand rounds, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Quarterly oral board simulations and regular ABSITE (American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination) reviews further bolster their education. Concurrently, residents are expected to maintain active certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).1

Application Process

The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early for a greater chance of securing an interview. Interviews are conducted typically from October through mid-December.1

Visa Support

The program is competitive and primarily caters to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Unfortunately, the program does not guarantee support for H-1B or J-1 visa sponsorship, which might limit eligibility for international medical graduates and non-citizens.1

Benefits and Compensation

Desert Regional Medical Center offers a robust compensation package and competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, starting on the first day of the month following hire. Residents also have access to flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance, alongside generous vacation days totaling 20 annually. Additional perks include allowances for continuing education, conference attendance, and certain administrative fees.2

Competitiveness

Competitiveness for the program is moderate to high, given its newly established status and focus on community-oriented surgical training. The program is open and friendly towards DO applicants and international medical graduates, aiming for a diverse group of residents who are committed to serving underserved communities.1

Special Application Requirements

Applicants need to have graduated from medical school within five years and should ideally have passing scores on the first attempts of USMLE Step 1 and 2, with a preference for no more than one failure. Additionally, prospective residents must keep in mind the structured interview and application process that highlights their commitment to both surgical excellence and community service.1

Summary of Residency Experiences

The first cohort of residents has expressed enthusiasm for the personalized training experiences offered at DRMC, emphasizing the varied surgical practices, supportive faculty, and the ability to contribute to a newly established program. Many residents commented positively on their intentions to stay within the community post-residency, enhancing the local healthcare landscape.1