Johns Hopkins University/University of Maryland Program

The integrated residency program at Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland is designed to train skilled plastic surgeons and is accredited by the ACGME. Formed through the merger of the two institutions' plastic surgery residency programs, this program offers a comprehensive training experience across multiple premier institutions in Baltimore.

Program Overview

The residency lasts seven years, incorporating six years of clinical exposure and one mandatory research year. During the research year, which is conducted between the second and third clinical years, residents engage in either clinical or basic science research and have opportunities for involvement in bio-innovation projects. Clinical education during the intern year is divided among general surgery, plastic surgery, and related rotations, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in surgical principles and practices 1.

Training Sites

Residents rotate through a variety of clinical settings to gain extensive exposure to different aspects of plastic surgery. The main training sites include:

• Johns Hopkins Hospital: Offers rotations on multiple services, focusing on various areas such as craniofacial surgery, breast reconstruction, and microsurgery.
• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: Known for its emphasis on hand and wrist surgery.
• R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center: Provides experience in managing acute traumatic deformities and craniomaxillofacial trauma.
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Involves significant clinical work related to breast and abdominal wall reconstruction.
• Baltimore VA Medical Center: Focuses on soft tissue reconstruction post-skin cancer resection.
• The Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital: Specializes in hand and upper extremity reconstruction.
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: Offers experience dealing with battlefield injuries and their reconstructive needs.

This array of rotations ensures residents acquire comprehensive practical skills, equipping them to handle a diverse range of procedures and patient needs 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to provide hands-on, immersive experiences in both surgical and non-surgical realms. Key rotations include:

• Critical Care and Burn Units: Residents manage patients requiring intensive care, primarily for burn treatment and reconstruction.
• Aesthetic Surgery: Chief residents manage their own aesthetic clinics, enhancing their expertise in cosmetic procedures.
• Oculoplastic Surgery: Focus on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures around the eyes.
• Dermatology and Otolaryngology: Residents gain insight into facial aesthetic surgery and head and neck reconstruction.

Participating in specialty clinics further enables residents to refine their skills, including elective rotations that may be tailored based on individual interests 3.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage actively in research during their training. The annual Johns Hopkins/University of Maryland Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium showcases research contributions from faculty and residents, while the Chi-Tsung Su, M.D., Memorial Awards reward outstanding research presentations. Residents often publish their findings in scientific journals, enhancing their academic portfolios and preparing them for future academic careers 2.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the integrated residency program, applicants must hold an M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, graduates from non-U.S. or non-Canadian medical schools must possess certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The program typically accepts around four residents each year, with over 300 applicants in recent cycles, indicating a highly competitive selection process. The program also supports visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, typically providing the necessary documentation for H-1B and J-1 visa types 1.

Program Competitiveness

The integrated residency program is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The training environment is welcoming to candidates with a broad range of educational backgrounds, emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusion 3.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive characteristic of this residency is the extensive network of rotations available, which allows residents to experience a wide array of practices and specialties. Additional unique features include:

• Regular Grand Rounds and specialized labs that focus on critical surgical skills.
• Personalized mentorship from leading surgeons in the field.
• Involvement in community service and global health initiatives demonstrating a commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes.

The program's focus on both clinical excellence and leadership development prepares residents to become future leaders in the field of plastic surgery.