East Tennessee State University/Quillen College of Medicine Program

The Surgery Residency Program at East Tennessee State University/Quillen College of Medicine is dedicated to training future leaders in the field of general surgery. The program emphasizes a comprehensive and diverse clinical training experience, ensuring residents acquire a strong foundation and are well-equipped to pursue various surgical careers.

The curriculum is primarily grounded in the Surgical Council on Resident Education (SCORE) guidelines, which ensures that the didactic education aligns with national standards. Additionally, the program fosters opportunities for research, backed by a robust Department of Surgery that includes six full-time research faculty members and post-doctoral fellows in six laboratories, with an impressive $8.7 million in total research funding, which includes $5 million from the NIH 1.

Training Sites

The residency's primary training site is the Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC), a substantial 488-bed tertiary care center with Level I Trauma Verification. This facility serves as the flagship referral center for twenty-one hospitals within the Ballad Health system. In addition to JCMC, surgical residents gain experience in several affiliate hospitals:

• Bristol Regional Medical Center (BRMC): A 348-bed referral center known for its active surgical department serving northeastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia.
• Franklin Woods Community Hospital: Offers a variety of surgical procedures, including extensive minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
• Holston Valley Medical Center: Designated as a Level III trauma center, providing comprehensive trauma care.
• James H. Quillen Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center: A 114-bed facility that provides valuable general surgery and endoscopy experience.

Moreover, the program features a unique elective international rotation for PGY 4 residents at Monze Missions Hospital in Zambia, enhancing the residents' global health perspectives and surgical competencies 1.

Clinical Rotations

Residents experience a variety of clinical rotations, transitioning from the close-knit environment of one-on-one apprenticeships to the collaborative setting of university-based rotations. The surgical faculty at ETSU hails from diverse backgrounds, ranging from community general surgeons to highly specialized experts in areas such as Acute Care/Critical Care, Trauma surgery, surgical oncology, and pediatric surgery, among others. This broad exposure ensures that residents receive comprehensive training that prepares them for diverse surgical careers.

Application Process

To apply for the residency, candidates must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The deadline for submission is November 1 each year. The program welcomes applications from International Medical Graduates (IMGs), provided they have completed at least one year of clinical residency in the United States. Generally, applicants should have graduated from medical school within the past five years, and only J-1 visas are sponsored by the program. A Criminal Background Check is mandatory for all applicants, who must also provide three letters of recommendation, including one from a surgical faculty and another from the surgery chair or program director 1.

Resident Benefits

The residency offers competitive salaries and a suite of benefits, notably the absence of state income tax in Tennessee. Residents receive fifteen vacation days annually, health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life, disability, and malpractice insurance. Educational funds may be available for research presentations, and practical benefits such as free meals during on-call shifts, free parking at hospitals, and access to essential medical resources are also provided. Additionally, there are housing options available in the vicinity, with costs ranging from $600 to $850 for one or two-bedroom apartments 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is noted for being highly competitive while remaining friendly to DO and IMG candidates. The emphasis on a broad-based training approach allows for diverse experiences and skill development, contributing to the overall competency expected of their graduates. Approximately 70% of graduates go on to practice general surgery, while others continue into competitive fellowships across various surgical specialties, showcasing the program's strong educational foundation 1.

Cultural and Recreational Environment

Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, residents benefit from a region rich in natural beauty, with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby and opportunities for outdoor activities along the Appalachian Trail. The area promotes a balanced lifestyle for residents, allowing for recreational activities in a picturesque setting that fosters both professional and personal growth.