Hackensack University Medical Center (Palisades) Program

The Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center offers a comprehensive General Surgery Residency Program aimed at fostering the growth of skilled and confident surgeons. Established as an AOA-approved program in July 2012 and achieving ACGME accreditation in 2019, this program serves as a pivotal training ground for aspiring surgeons to develop their expertise across a diverse range of surgical disciplines.

Program Overview

The mission of the General Surgery Residency is to create a nurturing yet challenging environment that encourages residents to evolve into proficient surgeons. The residents rotate through three distinct healthcare settings: a tertiary-care community hospital, a university hospital, and a smaller community hospital serving a significant Latin population, thereby gaining invaluable experiences in various surgical practices and patient care environments 1.

Curriculum Structure

The residency spans five years and includes a wide array of surgical rotations to ensure that trainees acquire essential skills and knowledge. In the first year (PGY 1), residents participate in rotations across general surgery, surgical oncology, colorectal surgery, trauma, and vascular surgery. As residents progress to PGY 2 and PGY 3, they continue building on their skills with advanced rotations in trauma and pediatric surgery, transplant surgery, surgical intensive care, and other specializations 5.

Similarly, in PGY 4 and PGY 5, there is an increased focus on leadership roles where residents may take on supervisory responsibilities and perform more complex procedures under mentorship.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The program encourages residents to engage in scholarly activities, with numerous opportunities for research presentations at prestigious conferences, such as the Southeastern Surgical Congress and SAGES. Over the past year, the residents produced 52 papers, posters, and manuscripts, illustrating a robust commitment to academic excellence and surgical education 5.

Unique Training Sites

Training occurs at multiple institutions: Palisades Medical Center, Englewood Hospital, and Hackensack University Medical Center. Each site offers unique training resources, with Hackensack University Medical Center noted as a Level 2 trauma center and one of the largest hospitals in New Jersey, enhancing the diversity of experiences available to residents 5.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program currently sponsors J-1 visas, which are essential for international medical graduates looking to pursue their training in the United States. The program is described as IMG-friendly, welcoming foreign medical graduates who meet the requisite academic and professional standards. The typical minimum USMLE Step 1 score for applicants is 230, providing some insight into the competitive nature of the admissions process 5.

Application Process