Henry Ford Providence Hospital Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Henry Ford Providence Hospital, combined with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, is designed to equip residents with a comprehensive knowledge and skill set necessary for the practice of surgery at a high level of competency. The training framework of the program prioritizes clinical care, education, and research to develop compassionate, effective practitioners prepared to face the evolving demands of healthcare.

This program focuses on producing graduates who are well-prepared for board certification and who often pursue additional fellowship training post-residency. The curriculum is designed to distribute knowledge and skill acquisition throughout the residency period, thereby ensuring residents gain graded responsibility, autonomy, and adaptability to enhance their surgical abilities.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The General Surgery residency program is highly competitive, welcoming both M.D. and D.O. candidates, provided they have completed either COMLEX or USMLE. Selection is based on academic performance, character assessments, and relevant life experiences. Notably, prospective candidates are expected to have step scores above 220 with no failures and must have graduated within the last five years. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating leadership, community service, and involvement in scholarly activities or research 1.

The program conducts a thorough review of applications and typically concludes its review process by October 31st. Interviews are extended to qualified candidates based on the program's priorities and availability of slots.

Visa Sponsorship and Support

The General Surgery Residency Program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates seeking to secure J-1 or H-1B visas. Candidates needing visa support will find the program accommodating, with the required documentation processed promptly.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum comprises a carefully structured rotation schedule that balances fundamental clinical skills with specialized surgical practices. Initial training includes a six-month Fundamental Clinical Skills (FCS) phase featuring emergencies, critical care, general surgery, and internal medicine, followed by an extensive range of elective rotations throughout the residency. Key components of resident training encompass:

• Six months of general surgery training
• Involvement in various specialized surgical rotations including trauma and vascular surgery
• Participation in clinical conferences such as M&M, grand rounds, and multidisciplinary tumor boards
• Dedicated time for research and scholarly activities

The program ensures residents are exposed to a broad spectrum of surgical cases that promote essential surgical skills necessary for independent practice 2.

Facility and Teaching Sites

The program provides training at several premier facilities:

• Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus: A 395-bed facility serving as a Level 2 Trauma Center with state-of-the-art surgical and ICU facilities.
• Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi Campus: A 259-bed center equipped for teaching, featuring advanced simulation labs.
• Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital: Offering pediatric surgical training, addressing complex conditions in young patients.
• Detroit Medical Center Sinai Grace Hospital: A major trauma center recognized for its efficiency in critical care scenarios.

These partnerships offer residents a rich variety of experiences, exposure to high operative volumes, and opportunities for mentorship from seasoned faculty across diverse specialties 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the residency, with ample opportunities for residents to engage in scholarly activities, contributing to clinical investigations and publications. The program has established support for residents interested in pursuing innovative surgical research techniques, strengthening their resumes for future fellowships and careers in academia.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents receive compensation that reflects their level of training, along with various benefits that include:

• A base salary of $58,697
• Education fund reimbursement ranging from $1,000 to $1,750 depending on the year of training
• A generous meal card valued at $1,800
• Reimbursement for state licensing fees

These benefits support residents in their professional development throughout the residency 4.

Core Faculty

The program boasts a diverse faculty with extensive experience in various surgical subspecialties, including:

• Dr. William Oppat - Program Director, with training in general and vascular surgery.
• Dr. Paraskevi Orfanou - Associate Program Director, specializing in general surgery and ECMO.
• Dr. Amir Damadi - Associate Program Director, expert in colorectal surgery and surgical education.

The diverse backgrounds and specialties of the faculty allow for comprehensive training and mentorship across the entire surgical spectrum 5.

Current Residents

The program fosters a close-knit community among its residents. Current cohorts represent a diverse array of medical schools from around the globe, contributing to a broad spectrum of understandings and perspectives within the program. This diversity enriches the collaborative and supportive culture among trainees 6.