Huntington Memorial Hospital Program

Program Overview

The Huntington Hospital General Surgery Residency Program focuses on providing an educational environment that fosters excellence among its residents. The program aims to build competent surgeon leaders through extensive exposure to operative, clinical, and research experiences. With over 130 years of commitment to health care, Huntington Hospital maintains a mission of building a healthier community, a vision encapsulated in its dedication to surgical education and practice.

At Huntington, residents are immersed in a rigorous training environment, participating in more than 12,000 surgeries annually. The residency program emphasizes early involvement in surgical procedures for trainees, ensuring that residents can gain hands-on experience under expert supervision. This program teaches essential skills through a mixture of advanced technology, including intensive robotics and laparoscopic training, and a curriculum approved by the American College of Surgeons.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum at Huntington is designed to provide substantial learning opportunities across various surgical disciplines. Residents engage in a diverse range of procedures and participate in an organized schedule of specialty and sub-specialty conferences. This comprehensive education model is vital to shaping future surgeons who are well-versed in fundamental surgical techniques as well as contemporary advancements in surgery.

Training is facilitated by a dedicated faculty composed of qualified physicians actively involved in both teaching and clinical practice. Faculty members hold clinical appointments at the USC Keck School of Medicine, fostering a strong educational bond with the university. This collaboration enhances residents' access to specialized knowledge and mentorship as they navigate their surgical training.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Huntington Hospital stands out due to its dual focus on academic excellence and community-oriented care. The program's setting within a community hospital allows residents to witness and engage directly with a diverse patient population, which adds depth to their surgical experience. The training offered resembles that found in a tertiary care facility, enabling residents to encounter a broad spectrum of surgical cases, both routine and complex.

The program’s strong reputation can be attributed to its commitment to facilitating a collaborative learning environment where residents not only refine their surgical skills but also develop their professional identities. Residents form meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow trainees, creating a supportive community that enhances their educational experience.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the residency experience at Huntington Hospital. The program encourages residents to engage in scholarly activities that allow them to explore their specific interests in surgical science. Opportunities for research include programmatic initiatives and collaborations with faculty members who are invested in surgical education and innovation.

Competitive Nature of the Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Huntington Hospital is known for being highly competitive. For applicants seeking a robust education in a supportive yet demanding environment, the program presents numerous opportunities for training. The selection process is open not only to U.S. medical graduates but also to international medical graduates, creating a diverse applicant pool.

Application Requirements

The program has established specific application requirements that prospective residents must meet. This includes considerations regarding the year of graduation from medical school and limitations on failures in examinations such as the STEP exams. Applicants should prepare a strong application reflective of both their clinical skills and commitment to surgery.

Visa Support

Huntington Hospital's surgery residency program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. The program is equipped to assist eligible applicants in obtaining the necessary visas to train in the United States, which is instrumental for IMGs looking beyond their home countries for surgical residency opportunities.

Life Beyond Training

Residents at the Huntington Hospital enjoy a balanced lifestyle, benefiting from Pasadena’s scenic environment and being near Los Angeles’s vibrant city culture. Residents have access to various outdoor activities and community engagement opportunities, providing a fulfilling life outside of their demanding surgical training.