Greater Baltimore Medical Center Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) offers a unique and comprehensive training experience for its residents. This ACGME-accredited program is committed to developing advanced skills and knowledge in colorectal surgery while ensuring that training is flexible, independent, and entirely educational in nature.

Program Overview

Founded in 1974, GBMC's Colon and Rectal Surgery Program has successfully trained over sixty specialists in the field. The program is designed to prepare its residents to handle complex colorectal problems with a high degree of skill. Notably, residents enjoy significant autonomy with their daily schedules and are allowed to choose cases without competition from other surgical residents or fellows, which fosters a conducive learning environment 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program emphasizes a blend of clinical practice and didactic education. Residents engage heavily in two clinical rotations:

• **Greater Baltimore Medical Center:** This 257-bed hospital serves as the primary clinical site, where residents majority of their training takes place. The hospital has modernized its facilities and is recognized for a high volume of surgical procedures, with an average of 163 abdominal procedures, 171 anorectal procedures, and 206 colonoscopies performed each academic year.
• **Cleveland Clinic:** All residents participate in a two-week rotation at this renowned facility in Ohio, where they enhance their skills in managing complex cases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Additionally, optional rotations at the Endoscopy Center at Bel Air and Suburban Hospital (part of Johns Hopkins Medicine) provide even greater exposure to advanced endoscopic techniques, including robotics 1.

Didactic Activities and Learning Environment

The program integrates a rich didactic schedule to bolster clinical skills, including:

• Bi-monthly resident-led didactics.
• GI Tumor Board and Monthly Pathology Conferences.
• Monthly Journal Club sessions and mock oral board examinations.
• Utilization of the CARSEP study tool to prep for board exams.

This structure is designed to support residents' learning and ensure they are well-prepared for their certification examinations and clinical practice 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities throughout their training. The program emphasizes the importance of research in advancing the field and offers support to attend relevant conferences, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive compensation with a resident salary set at $77,868 for the academic year 2024-2025. In addition to a competitive salary, residents receive comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision), short-term disability insurance, life insurance, and 15 days of vacation along with 5 Sick and Safe Leave days. Free parking is also provided 1.

Application Process

Admission to the residency is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a strict requirement that all applicants must complete a General Surgery residency accredited by the ACGME, RCPSC, or ACGME-I. The program actively interviews candidates in August and September each year through the online platform Thalamus. It is important to note that the program only sponsors J-1 visas through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG); GBMC does not sponsor H-1B visas for residents.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is recognized as competitive, suitable for candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are welcome, provided they fulfill the program's application criteria. There are specific requirements regarding graduation years and the maximum number of attempts allowed on the USMLE Step exams, details of which can be obtained during the application process 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the defining characteristics of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at GBMC is its guiding philosophy that prioritizes education without a service-component burden on residents. This ensures that the trainees can focus on developing their clinical expertise and surgical skills.

In summary, the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at GBMC offers an enriching environment for aspiring colorectal surgeons, offering extensive clinical exposure, a versatile learning approach, and opportunities for personal and professional development within a supportive framework.