MaineHealth Program

Vascular Surgery Residency at MaineHealth

The MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) Vascular Surgery Residency Program provides a robust training experience designed to equip residents with the comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for the independent practice of vascular surgery. The curriculum focuses heavily on clinically oriented education, covering all aspects of open and endovascular surgery, critical care, and core general surgical principles.

As an ACGME-approved program, it enables residents to pursue certification in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery. The program benefits from being a major teaching hospital of Tufts School of Medicine, which enhances the academic rigor through weekly case conferences, journal clubs, vascular lab activities, and a curriculum based on VSCORE didactics. Participation in clinical and basic science research projects is encouraged, fostering a well-rounded educational environment.

Curriculum Overview

During the initial three years, residents experience a balanced rotation between the vascular surgery service and core general surgical rotations. These core rotations include key areas such as acute care surgery, trauma, pediatric surgery, and critical care. This setup not only nurtures the residents' surgical competencies but also prepares them for the broader aspects of surgical care.

Mid-level residents also have opportunities to pursue elective rotations in areas of specific clinical interest, complementing their vascular education. The final two years of the residency serve as senior residency years, where the residents have increased responsibilities, including running their own service during the chief rotation in their final months. This transition into autonomy is emphasized, preparing residents for independent practice upon graduation.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

MaineHealth prioritizes an inclusive and diverse environment for all faculty, staff, and learners. This commitment encompasses the recruitment and retention of diverse medical students, applicants, residents, and faculty members. Implicit bias training is provided for those involved in the interview process. Moreover, the curriculum includes didactic sessions aimed at amplifying the voices of various marginalized populations.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Vascular Surgery Residency Program at MHMMC is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa support for J-1 visas. The program values diverse backgrounds and experiences, making it an attractive option for many applicants.

Application Requirements

Applicants interested in the program must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and submit various documents, including:

• Transcript of academic grades
• Dean's letter
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• USMLE or COMLEX scores

Important deadlines: Applications are accepted until October 15, and late submissions are not reviewed. The program has one PGY-1 position available annually.

Training Sites

The residency program is hosted at Maine Medical Center, a facility renowned for its comprehensive clinical and instructional capabilities. The hospital presents a high volume of surgical cases, providing a rich environment for practical learning and skill acquisition in vascular surgery.

Electives and Conferences

Residents have the opportunity to participate in various electives, with a strong emphasis on academic growth. The vascular surgery acting internships are open to fourth-year medical students from ACGME-approved medical schools, where they can actively engage with resident teams, master basic surgical skills, and participate in routine surgical procedures under supervision. Conference participation is also a key component, featuring VSCORE, M&M meetings, and skill simulation sessions.

Residents and Alumni

The residents at MHMMC are characterized by distinctive personal and professional interests, contributing to a collaborative learning atmosphere. Alumni have gone on to practice in notable healthcare facilities across the country, maintaining ties to the program and its educational values.

Program Faculty

The faculty at the Vascular Surgery Residency Program is committed to providing exceptional training grounded in clinical excellence. They represent a diverse pool of education and training, with vast experience in the discipline of vascular surgery.