Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati Program

The General Surgery Residency at The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers a comprehensive and robust training program for aspiring surgeons. With a total of 12 residency positions approved by ACGME, the program is designed to cultivate competent, caring, and confident surgeons who uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in surgery. The program prides itself on providing high-quality educational experiences, thanks to a highly dedicated faculty that maintains close relationships with the residents throughout their training.

Program Mission

The mission of the General Surgery Residency Training Program is to create a conducive atmosphere for learning while assisting residents in achieving all educational goals and objectives integral to the specialty of general surgery. The emphasis is placed on fostering dedication, hard work, and maintaining the highest professional standards anticipated from surgical practitioners 1.

Program History

Established in 1850, The Jewish Hospital is one of the oldest Jewish hospitals in the United States and has been a tertiary care facility throughout its history. The surgical training program has been continuously evolving since its inception in 1933, benefiting from numerous faculty additions that enhance residents' educational experience. Graduates of the program pursue diverse career paths in fellowship, multi-specialty groups, and private practice 1.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by December 1 each year. Key requirements include:

• Dean’s letter
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• USMLE Step 1: score of 230 or higher
• USMLE Step 2: required, with strong clinical experience accumulated
• International medical graduates must be ECFMG certified, with a graduation date within the last two years

The program does not sponsor any types of VISAs, making it less accommodating for international applicants. Additionally, all applicants must meet the publication and presentation requirement through research over the five-year residency period 34.

Competitiveness

The General Surgery Residency Program is defined as highly competitive, focusing on applicants who demonstrate strong academic credentials, communication skills, and integrity. Approximately 50% of residents pursue careers as general surgeons, while the other half engage in further specialized fellowship training. This competitive nature and the balance between categorical and preliminary positions create a selective environment for training future surgeons 24.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program spans five years and comprises rotations across various clinical sites to ensure comprehensive surgical training. Major training locations include:

• The Jewish Hospital, where primary responsibilities lie in general surgery.
• University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center, which provides rich exposure to trauma surgery.
• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, focusing uniquely on pediatric surgical procedures.
• The Christ Hospital, renowned for transplantation services and endocrine procedures.

Residents will also participate in a structured mentorship program with faculty that fosters hands-on learning through office-based practices and continuity of care 56.

Simulation and Skills Training

The program incorporates the latest simulation technologies to enhance residents' clinical skills. The simulation lab includes advanced trainers for laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy, allowing residents to gain proficiency in essential surgical techniques before performing on live patients. Certifications achieved during residency include FLS (Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery) and ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) 6.

Benefits and Compensation

Salary structures for residents range from $61,258 for PGY 1 to $69,151 for PGY 5, in addition to comprehensive insurance coverage. Further benefits include a monthly stipend for meals, reimbursement for travel to present research, and no-cost access to fitness facilities. The program also supports residents with educational materials and certification allowances 7.

Resident Life

Life in Cincinnati offers a balance between work and leisure, with access to numerous cultural and recreational experiences. Residents are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance and actively engage in stress-relieving activities outside their clinical duties 8.