Jan 7, 2016
Detroit Medical Center Program
Overview
The Sinai-Grace General Surgery Residency at the Detroit MedicalCenter is a robust program that offers extensive training insurgical principles, techniques, and patient care. The programaccepts three new residents each year and is closely affiliatedwith Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine,creating a collaborative and educationally rich environment. Themajority of residency training occurs at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospitalin Detroit, with rotations at several nearby affiliatedinstitutions to enhance the breadth of clinical experience.
Curriculum Overview
The educational curriculum is structured to ensure comprehensivetraining across various surgical disciplines. Key elements of thecurriculum include:
- Weekly attending-led didactic sessions every Wednesday,adhering to the SCORE curriculum, from 6:30 am to 8:30 am.
- Morbidity and Mortality Conferences and Grand Rounds are heldevery Thursday from 7:30 am to 9:00 am.
- Regular training on the Da Vinci surgical robot, enriching theresident's minimally invasive surgery skills.
- Monthly structured educational opportunities such as GrandRounds coordinated by Michigan State University, monthly sutureclinics for first-year interns, and a surgical anatomy anddissection course.
- Certification courses in Basic Life Support (BLS), AdvancedCardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support(ATLS) provided by the program.
Rotations and Clinical Experience
The rotation structure is designed to provide residents with adiverse range of clinical experiences that build proficiency andconfidence in surgical practice. Rotations are conducted acrossvarious specialties and progressively increase in responsibilityover five years:
- PGY I: Basic surgical skills and inpatientcare experience.
- PGY II-III: Increasing responsibility insurgical procedures, trauma care, and subspecialty rotations.
- PGY IV: Leadership roles during critical care,complex surgical cases.
- PGY V: Chief resident responsibilitiesincluding overseeing junior residents, demonstrating advancedsurgical skills, and contributing to surgical education.
Research Opportunities
Residents are strongly encouraged to engage in research andscholarly activities. The program provides access to researchresources and opportunities to publish and present findings atnational conferences. This involvement is crucial in fostering anacademic mindset and contributing to the field of surgery.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Sinai-Grace General Surgery Residency Program offers severalunique features:
- Emphasis on resident-led initiatives such as weekly surgicalclinics where residents actively manage patient care undersupervision.
- The program nurtures a supportive learning environmentfacilitated by board-certified attendings who are committed toteaching and mentorship.
- Web of collaboration exists through affiliations with multiplehospitals, ensuring residents receive a well-rounded trainingexperience.
Application Requirements
Applicants should take note of specific requirements:
- Must have passed the COMLEX USA or USMLE Step 1 and 2 prior toapplication.
- COMLEX USA or USMLE Step 3 must be completed before enteringthe PGY III year.
- Participation in a rotation with the program is encouraged butnot mandatory for application consideration.
- Nicotine testing is mandatory for all newly hired residents atthe Detroit Medical Center due to workplace policies.
Visa Sponsorship
The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for eligibleinternational medical graduates. It does not sponsor H-1B visas,which is an important consideration for internationalapplicants.
Competitiveness
The Sinai-Grace General Surgery Residency is regarded as ahighly competitive program, welcoming applications from both DO andMD candidates. The program fosters inclusivity toward internationalmedical graduates, making it an excellent choice for a diverseapplicant pool.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
6, 3, 3, 3, 3 (5 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 15, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:33% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.7X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 5 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days [1]
First Year Salary: $56,713 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 78 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 238–261 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1, F1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:5 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
13%
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
13%
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
7%
More than 1 school has this rank*
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
7 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
7 Publications (5 yr)
Long-term survival following adrenalectomy for secondary adrenal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Coronary Ischemia in a Patient with History of Ross Procedure.
Location
Detroit, MI [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Detroit, MI
Crime Rate and Safety
Detroit has had challenges with crime in the past, but efforts have been made to improve safety in certain areas. It's recommended to research specific neighborhoods for safety ratings.
Fun Activities
Detroit offers a vibrant cultural scene with museums, art galleries, live music venues, and sports events. The city is also known for its strong music and automotive history.
Climate
Detroit experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.
Races and Population
Detroit has a diverse population with residents from various racial and ethnic backgrounds contributing to the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Education
Detroit is home to several universities and colleges providing educational opportunities for residents. The city also has a strong K-12 school system.
Cost of Living
Detroit has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for residents on a budget.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Detroit is approximately a 4-hour drive from Chicago, IL, offering residents the opportunity for weekend getaways to a larger city known for its architecture, food scene, and cultural attractions.
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4402500418
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/58a6ecdc-3b0f-2256-0eb9-68fc7c9a3c1e
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US2622000
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr