Indiana University School of Medicine Program

Information on the Vascular Surgery Residency program for the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine is designed to develop skills for both simple and complex surgical patients within a supportive learning environment. The program emphasizes fostering competency and increasing autonomy in the operating room. The Vascular Surgery Residency at IU School of Medicine consists of five years of clinical training, including two dedicated years for professional development.

The clinical experiences for residents are provided by IU Health, Eskenazi Health, and the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, which are situated in downtown and suburban Indianapolis. Through these training sites, residents receive a comprehensive exposure to surgical practice's breadth and depth, both in the operating room and at the bedside. Graduates of the program can transition seamlessly to academic or private practice settings in diverse urban and rural areas. The program supports residents in both personal and professional growth, providing ample flexibility as needed.

Throughout the program, residents can engage in various research and professional development opportunities. After completing the second year of training, residents can undertake a two-year period focusing on clinical, basic/translational, or education-based research. Residents select a funded faculty mentor during their second year to pursue their interests, and they are encouraged to apply for extramural grants to support their work. Additionally, residents can also pursue a master's degree, which the Department of Surgery will help finance.

Indiana University School of Medicine provides a Global Health Pathway available to all specialty residents, enhancing skills in international healthcare. This initiative includes local and overseas electives with dedicated faculty, allowing residents to engage in the AMPATH-Kenya initiative, a significant collaborative healthcare effort, providing life-altering electives at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine prioritizes Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Its commitment is evident through active initiatives promoting representational diversity, inclusive environments, and cultural competence.

Clinical Facilities

Clinical training for the Vascular Surgery Residency is conducted primarily at five major teaching hospitals located on the IU School of Medicine’s downtown Indianapolis campus: IU Health University Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Eskenazi Health, and IU Health Methodist Hospital. Additionally, the Department offers surgical training at suburban hospitals, IU Health North and IU Health West.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the Vascular Surgery program is systematically structured over five years, focusing on training and experience in the treatment of thoracic, abdominal, and vascular diseases.

Year One

First-year residents will have an eight-month experience in general surgery rotations including transplant, hepatic-biliary-pancreatic, pediatric, and trauma. The remaining four months focus on the vascular surgery program at IU Health Methodist Hospital and Roudebush Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Year Two

The second year stresses subspecialty rotations, combining clinical education with surgical intensive care, thoracic, urology, and plastic surgery, alongside additional vascular-focused rotations.

Year Three

The third year strengthens the foundational skills built in previous years, including trauma and general surgery experiences and a greater focus on procedures.

Years Four and Five

In the final years, residents partake in more specialized vascular procedures and are afforded greater autonomy, preparing them for independent practice and further fellowship opportunities.

Application Process

To apply for the Vascular Surgery Residency, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. U.S. graduates need three letters of recommendation, one from the surgery program chair or director, along with USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores. An Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate must be obtained at least 60 days prior to the intended residency start date for international applicants. Importantly, the program only sponsors J-1 visas, with no exceptions made for other types.

Competitiveness

The Vascular Surgery Residency at Indiana University School of Medicine is competitive, requiring a strong application involving substantial documentation, such as a personal statement and recent medical school transcript.