Hackensack University Medical Center Program

Overview of the Surgery Residency Program

The Surgery Residency Program at Hackensack University Medical Center is designed to train future leaders in surgical care. The program operates within the newly constructed Helena Theurer Pavilion, which is among the most advanced surgical facilities in the United States. This modern environment promotes higher volume and quality in surgical education and practice, giving residents ample exposure and experience in a contemporary healthcare setting 1.

The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and includes a total of 27 residents, training in five categorical positions annually, along with two preliminary PGY 1 positions 2.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education covering essential areas of surgery, emphasizing experiential adult learning. Each resident participates in a two-year cycle that includes didactics and rotations, utilizing the Surgical Council on Resident Education’s (SCORE) curriculum 1.

Residents engage in an innovative educational strategy that includes:

• Didactic lectures and simulation training
• Hands-on learning opportunities and skills labs
• Interactive web-based materials and reading assignments
• Participation in quality improvement projects and clinical research

Every week, dedicated time is set aside for educational activities, ensuring residents can attend sessions while fulfilling clinical duties 1.

Clinical Rotations

The residency rotations are primarily based at the main campus of Hackensack University Medical Center and cover an extensive range of surgical specialties. Rotations include:

• Acute Care Surgery/General Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery and Endoscopy
• Minimally Invasive Surgery/Robotics
• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• Surgical Oncology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Transplant and Trauma Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

This wide range of surgical disciplines allows residents to meet and exceed all ACGME case requirements while gaining critical exposure to various surgical practices 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to pursue research interests, with opportunities to extend training through research sabbaticals. These sabbaticals have included successful placements at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Ohio State University 1. The program emphasizes the importance of contributing to ongoing clinical research and quality improvement measures throughout the residency.

Unique Aspects of the Program

What sets this program apart is its commitment to supporting residents' input in program evaluation and development. The program prioritizes collaboration, creating a learning environment where residents are encouraged to take an active role in their education through continuous feedback loops 1.

Furthermore, the program provides robust mentorship opportunities and encourages participation in departmental and hospital committees. The integration of individualized learning plans helps tailor the educational experience for each resident 1.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs). The types of visas offered include J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that foreign physicians have the opportunity to train within this esteemed institution 1.

For prospective applicants, it is important to note that the program is competitive; it welcomes applications from both U.S. graduates and IMGs, fostering a diverse training environment. The program accepts the results of both the USMLE and COMLEX exams, which broadens accessibility for potential residents 3.

Application Requirements

To apply to the Surgery Residency Program, candidates must submit a completed Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application that includes:

• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Medical student transcript
• Curriculum vitae
• At least three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• USMLE or COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 scores
• Photo
• ECFMG Status Report, if applicable

Each of these components is critical to demonstrating the applicant's qualifications and readiness for surgical training 3.