Geisinger Health System Program

The neurosurgery residency at Geisinger Health System offers a comprehensive and rigorous training program designed to prepare residents for advanced practice in the field of neurosurgery. Operated through the Geisinger College within a supportive and academically rich environment, the program emphasizes practical experience and mentorship to foster the next generation of neurosurgeons.

Geisinger’s neurosurgery program is structured to provide extensive training across various subsections of neurosurgery. The curriculum is aligned with the milestones set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ensuring a standardized and comprehensive learning experience. Throughout the seven-year residency, residents will focus on all major aspects of neurosurgery, including:

• Functional Neurosurgery
• Neuro-oncology
• Neurotrauma
• Neurovascular Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Peripheral Nerve Surgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Neurocritical Care
• Endovascular Neurosurgery

Practical exposure is delivered through rotations that occur yearly. The rotations for a typical resident are scheduled as follows:

• PGY-1: General Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuro ICU
• PGY-2: General Neurosurgery/Junior
• PGY-3: General Neurosurgery/Junior
• PGY-4: Research/Directed Training
• PGY-5: General Neurosurgery/Senior
• PGY-6: General Neurosurgery/Senior
• PGY-7: General Neurosurgery/Chief Year

Additional to clinical training, residents partake in weekly didactic sessions covering case reviews across various specializations within neurosurgery. Key educational meetings involve:

• Neurosurgery Case Review
• Chief Resident Case Conference
• Neuroradiology, Neuropathology, and Neuroanatomy
• Research Didactics
• Vascular Clinical Case Series

Alongside rotations, residents partake in mandatory departmental conferences including Neurosurgery M&M, Neuroscience Grand Rounds, and others, guaranteeing exposure to continuous learning and quality improvement in patient care.1

Training occurs at two main facilities: Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWV) in Wilkes-Barre. GMC is a large quaternary hospital featuring a Level I trauma center and specialized facilities such as the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. GWV provides extensive neurosurgical resources in a regional setting, ensuring residents gain experience necessary for a diverse patient population and complex surgical cases.1

Research Opportunities

Geisinger fosters a strong research environment where PGY-4 residents dedicate a year to individualized study. This time can be utilized for involvement in lab research, clinical fellowships, or pursuing advanced degrees. The program encourages engagement in various domains such as:

• Laboratory Science
• Clinical Trials
• Public Health Research
• Comparative Effectiveness Research

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The Geisinger Neurosurgery Residency program is open to international medical graduates and supports J-1 visas for applicants. The application cycle is competitive; however, the program does not have strict USMLE or COMLEX score cutoffs. While high scores are favorable, the selection committee reviews the complete applications holistically, favoring candidates without failed exams.3

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required documentation includes:

• Medical Student Performance Evaluation
• Transcripts
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• USMLE Step I Scores
• Personal Statement

The residency program will finalize interviews based on the review of completed applications, with interviews conducted virtually. All prospective residents are encouraged to include their email address in the ERAS application to facilitate the interview scheduling process.3

Support and Incentives

Residents benefit from various incentives, including a meal and wellness allowance, funds for books and conferences, parental leave, and a generous vacation system. Dedicated workspace is provided, as well as available parking on campus.1

Faculty and Mentorship

The program is supported by an experienced faculty who provide mentorship and guidance throughout residency. Each resident is paired with a mentor to assist in personal and professional development, providing insights and support for navigating residency challenges and career decisions.4

The environment within the program promotes a satisfying balance between professional growth and personal well-being appropriate for a fulfilling educational experience in neurosurgery.