Howard University Program

The surgery residency program at Howard University is a distinguished training program with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1936 at Freedmen’s Hospital. This program has been continuously accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is recognized for its contributions to surgical education and practice. The training is conducted at Howard University Hospital, which is notable for being the only teaching hospital located on a historically black college campus. The hospital provides a unique learning environment that has produced numerous esteemed graduates who have made significant impacts in various areas of medicine and surgery 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training in general surgery and its subspecialties. Residents progress through a structured program that emphasizes both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. The first year (PGY-1) focuses on fundamental skills through rotations in general surgery, trauma, acute care surgery, and various subspecialties including surgical oncology and urology. As residents advance, they take on more senior responsibilities, especially in PGY-4 and PGY-5 years where they act at the instructor level and manage surgical services with teaching duties 1.

Rotations

The residency includes extensive exposure to diverse clinical settings through rotations at eight major hospitals. These include Howard University Hospital, Children's National Medical Center, University of Maryland Capital Region Health, and others. This diversity in training sites exposes residents to various patient populations and enhances clinical acumen. Residents will rotate through the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), trauma and acute care surgery, pediatric surgery, and subspecialties during their training, which provides them with a broad and well-rounded surgical education 2.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role in the program. After the second year (PGY-2), residents have dedicated time for research, particularly focused on clinical and translational studies. The Outcomes Research Center at Howard University, named after a significant figure in transplant surgery, Dr. Clive Callender, offers residents access to national registry databases to support their research initiatives. This center has published extensively, further enhancing the academic environment for residents interested in pursuing academic careers or competitive fellowships 1.

Educational Environment

Throughout the residency, dedicated educational time is protected with regular didactic lectures and hands-on simulation experiences. Residents engage in Morbidity and Mortality conferences and related Grand Rounds, which facilitate the discussion of clinical cases and learning from errors. Furthermore, training involves hands-on simulation labs and access to core surgical textbooks and journals from Howard University's library, allowing residents to stay well-informed about the latest surgical techniques and concepts 3.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered competitive, and applicants are evaluated holistically. There is no strict limit on the number of attempts for the USMLE Step exams, but a strong performance is essential. The program typically accepts both DO and IMG applicants, fostering an inclusive environment while demanding a high academic standard. Specific requirements include holding at least one PGY-1 or preliminary residency position within the program 6.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Typical visa types supported include J-1 and H-1B visas. This support facilitates the participation of a diverse range of residents, enriching the learning environment and promoting cultural competence within the healthcare setting 2.

Unique Aspects

One of the unique features of this program is its historical significance and commitment to serving the African American community through its ties to Howard University Hospital. Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated team of passionate educators and a curriculum that embraces technological advancements, including robotic surgery training, positions residents to become proficient and competitive surgeons during and after their training 4.