Lahey Clinic Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is dedicated to training competent surgical specialists proficient in diagnosing and managing a wide range of colorectal conditions. This program equips residents with significant expertise in addressing inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and functional disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. Graduates emerge as advocates for optimal patient care, demonstrating respect for individual rights while also being aware of the diverse influences that age, gender, ethnicity, and culture may have on healthcare delivery.

The residency program encourages residents to take on leadership roles in the specialty, advocating for the continued advancement of colon and rectal surgery as both an art and a science, while also emphasizing the importance of graduate surgical education.

Program Structure

The residency spans 12 months and is located at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, a facility that also hosts a general surgery residency and has an academic affiliation with Tufts University School of Medicine. This environment promotes clinical and academic excellence, ensuring that residents receive comprehensive training in managing complex colorectal diseases.

Residents benefit from a high volume of tertiary care cases, significant exposure to advanced technologies, and treatment of numerous patients with inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancies. The program also fosters involvement in clinical research efforts, both local and multi-institutional, which preps residents for success in future independent research endeavors.

Eligibility and Application Process

The program accepts two residents annually at the PGY-6 level, requiring applicants to have completed an ACGME-approved General Surgery residency. The application process is facilitated through an electronic system, where candidates must ensure that their complete application, including required documentation, has been submitted. Interviews are extended to selected applicants during September and October, with final placements coordinated through the National Resident Match Program.

Clinical Rotations and Educational Experience

Residents at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center engage in various clinical settings, including outpatient care, operating rooms, endoscopy suites, and inpatient units. This comprehensive exposure enables residents to participate actively in all facets of patient care. The curriculum is meticulously structured to integrate clinical, didactic, and research experiences tailored specifically for colon and rectal surgery. Importantly, residents are allotted protected time for didactic conferences, which include:

• Case management teleconferences with other sites
• Multidisciplinary conferences on colorectal cancer
• Core curriculum lectures
• Grand rounds in General Surgery
• Inflammatory bowel disease conferences
• Journal Clubs
• Morbidity and mortality conferences
• Department research meetings
• Visiting professor presentations

Each resident is required to undertake at least one clinical research project within the year, developing research topics and identifying faculty mentors through discussions with faculty and peers. The findings from these projects should culminate in presentations at national or international meetings, as well as the submission of written manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.

Visa Support

The program provides appropriate visa support for international applicants, allowing for sponsorship of J-1 and H-1B visas, which are essential for international medical graduates seeking residency positions within the United States.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency program at Lahey is competitive, yet it fosters an inclusive environment for applicants including DO and IMG graduates. This commitment to diversity enhances the learning experience for all residents, promoting a rich educational environment.

Special Application Requirements

Prospective residents should note special application prerequisites, including graduation from medical school within a specify timeframe and a maximum of one failed USMLE STEP exam, ensuring all candidates possess a robust foundation for advanced training.