Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts General Hospital Program

The Surgical Residency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital provides an extensive and rigorous training experience designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in surgery. Located in the heart of Boston, this program is characterized by its blend of clinical practice, research opportunities, and a strong emphasis on academic development. Renowned for its historical significance and dedication to excellence, the surgical residency program at Mass General prepares residents for successful careers in various surgical disciplines.

Curriculum

The surgical residency spans five clinical years and is comprehensively structured to provide graded responsibility. Residents are exposed to a broad range of surgical practices which encompasses general surgery, trauma, surgical oncology, and more. The curriculum is designed to fulfill all requirements for certification by the American Board of Surgery. Each resident can expect to perform approximately 1,200 major surgical cases throughout their residency, which includes complex and high-acuity procedures. The program features a robust didactic curriculum consisting of weekly conferences, morbidity and mortality reviews, and hands-on simulation training, ensuring that residents develop essential surgical skills and knowledge base.

Rotations

The majority of clinical training occurs within Massachusetts General Hospital, supplemented by rotations at community hospitals including Newton-Wellesley and Salem Hospitals. These rotations offer residents the opportunity to manage diverse patient populations and practice in various environments, thereby enhancing their surgical autonomy and decision-making skills. Residents also gain experience in ambulatory surgical centers located in Waltham and Danvers, allowing them to integrate outpatient services into their training.

Research Opportunities

A hallmark of the Mass General Surgical Residency Program is its commitment to research. The department houses 26 endowed fellowships which provide financial support for residents pursuing research endeavors. Many residents choose to dedicate significant time—usually two years—to research or to pursue advanced degrees during their residency. The department encourages involvement in cutting-edge research projects, often collaborating with various research institutes and groups at Mass General. This emphasis on research aims to produce surgeon-scientists who are well-versed in the latest advancements in surgical care and treatment methodologies.

Global Surgery Pathway

The program includes a Global Surgery Pathway, enabling residents to undertake clinical and research projects in low- and middle-income countries. This pathway is designed for those interested in international health initiatives, emphasizing the need for surgical care in developing regions. Opportunities may include clinical electives abroad, research experiences, and collaborations with renowned organizations like Partners In Health.

Mentorship and Career Development

Recognizing the evolving interests of residents, the program implements a longitudinal mentorship model curated by its Vice Chair of Research. Residents are paired with a diverse array of mentors, including faculty, peer mentors, and administrative support, to assist them in refining their career goals throughout their residency.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Surgical Residency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is known for its highly competitive application process and recruits residents from a wide variety of backgrounds. As part of its commitment to diversity, the program encourages applications from underrepresented groups in medicine. Applicants are not required to have U.S. clinical experience, although it is recommended to enhance their application. A notable aspect of the program is its acceptance of international medical graduates, allowing them to apply if they have completed medical school within the last two years and have their ECFMG certificate by the start of the internship year. For categorical positions, only J-1 visas are sponsored, while preliminary positions also accommodate H-1B visas.

Resident Wellbeing and Support

Recognizing the challenges of surgical training, the program incorporates various initiatives aimed at supporting resident wellbeing, including a Resident Wellness Council and diverse events that promote camaraderie among residents. Additional support is offered to financially disadvantaged residents through the Mass General Brigham’s financial assistance programs, ensuring that all residents can thrive both personally and professionally.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries, which for the 2024-2025 period ranges from approximately $78,540 for PGY-1 to $95,150 for PGY-5 residents. All residents also receive an annual stipend of $10,000 to offset housing and childcare costs. The residency includes four weeks of vacation per year, comprehensive health insurance benefits, and subsidized parking options.

Alumni Success

Graduates of the Massachusetts General Hospital Surgical Residency program often secure prestigious fellowships and positions in top-tier institutions worldwide. The program maintains a robust alumni network that demonstrates the effectiveness of its training by showcasing notable career trajectories of its past residents.