Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

The Vascular Surgery Residency program at Loma Linda University Health is a five-year independent program designed to equip residents with comprehensive training in vascular surgery. This program stands out due to its commitment to developing expert practitioners who embody values such as compassion, integrity, and teamwork. Annually, the program performs over 600 vascular procedures, providing residents with an extensive range of clinical experiences.

Program Overview
The residency focuses on preparing individuals for independent practice in vascular surgery. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience supplemented by a robust didactic component, covering standard open and endovascular procedures. With a 100% 10-year fellowship board pass rate, the residency showcases its strong educational foundation, contributing to the success of its graduates in the field of vascular surgery 1.

Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum offers a broad caseload, covering critical procedures including:

• Standard open aneurysm repair
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Visceral and renal artery reconstruction
• Complex abdominal aortic and aortoiliac reconstruction
• Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Additionally, the program incorporates a variety of conferences that enhance residents' learning, including:

• General Surgery M&M
• Vascular Surgery Lectures (VSCORE)
• Vascular Case Conferences
• CQVI & Aortic Conferences
• Grand Rounds featuring multidisciplinary didactics

Residents further deepen their skills through monthly journal clubs, skills labs, and dedicated one-on-one practice sessions with attending surgeons 2.

Training Sites
Training takes place across multiple state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Loma Linda University Medical Center
• Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
• Riverside University Health System

The Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus, which opened in 2021, boasts cutting-edge technology and supports a wide range of medical specialties, enhancing the learning environment for residents 4.

Research Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects, providing opportunities to publish as first authors in reputable medical journals. The program's affiliation with various professional societies fosters a collaborative environment for research and professional development 3.

Stipends and Benefits
The program offers a competitive compensation structure that includes:

• A stipend at each PGY level that includes a $5,000 housing allowance and a $1,500 meal allowance
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage at minimal cost
• 240 hours of paid time off each year
• Paid holidays, including nine designated holidays annually
• Long-term disability insurance and medical malpractice coverage

Residents also have access to up to $1,000 per academic year for educational reimbursements, a unique benefit that helps manage the costs associated with medical education and licensure 5.

Support for Wellness
The program prioritizes the overall wellness of residents, offering extensive support systems. Residents have access to mental health resources, peer wellness initiatives, and spiritual counseling, ensuring that all aspects of a resident's well-being are considered. A designated Chief Wellness Resident spearheads wellness initiatives, further enhancing the supportive environment within the program 6.

Visa Sponsorship
The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, making it accessible for both US and non-US applicants. The types of visas that the program is able to sponsor typically include the J-1 visa, which is common for residents and fellows in training 5.

Application Competitiveness
The residency program is known to be competitive, attracting applicants from diverse backgrounds, including U.S. graduates, osteopathic graduates (DO), and international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants should be mindful of any specific application requirements and expectations regarding the timeline and the preparation needed to be successful.