McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is designed to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of plastic surgery. The program is recognized for its strong faculty, impressive resident cohort, and a well-structured curriculum. It admits two residents each year, emphasizing a combination of clinical training, research, and academic development.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications through the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA). Importantly, the program does not require prior United States clinical experience. The program sponsors the J-1 visa, recognized as the preferred option for international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants must possess a valid ECFMG certificate to ensure their application is deemed complete, which also necessitates current clinical skills assessments. Additionally, passing Step 1 of the USMLE and a valid English qualifying examination are mandatory for applicants.

Clinical Experience

The residency includes a diverse range of clinical experiences across various training sites, including the teaching hospitals affiliated with the McGaw Medical Center and Shriners Hospital for Children. Residents engage in managing patients across major plastic surgical specialties:

• Aesthetic Surgery: Comprehensive exposure to facial and trunk aesthetic procedures
• Congenital Anomalies: Management of conditions such as cleft lip/palate, microtia, and hand deformities
• Reconstructive Surgery: Emphasis on surgical methods involving flaps and microsurgery
• Tumors: Treatment approaches for benign and malignant skin tumors
• Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgery: Focused training on intricate procedures
• Trauma: Skills developed in managing trauma cases related to the face, hands, and lower extremities

Over the span of six years, residents spend approximately four-and-a-half years on specialized plastic surgery rotations, ensuring a well-rounded surgical training experience that meets the Plastic Surgery Residency Review Committee's requirements.

Outpatient Clinics

Active plastic surgery clinics operate in the hospitals and outpatient departments of the McGaw Medical Center. Residents are afforded significant autonomy, especially during rotations at the Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Shriners Hospital of Chicago. Notably, there is a chief resident aesthetic clinic providing affordable cosmetic surgery services to the local community.

Research Opportunities

A distinguishing feature of the residency is its commitment to academic excellence through a fully-funded, required research year. This research year fosters exposure to innovative laboratories, such as the Laboratory for Wound Healing & Regenerative Surgery and the Laboratory for Craniofacial Biology. Opportunities for collaboration are available with the Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, among other global health programs like Operation Smile in Mumbai. This commitment not only supports resident development but also instills a strong research foundation that facilitates numerous presentations at national meetings.

Training Rotations Overview

The residency training structure includes significant rotations across all years:

• PGY1: Residents engage in a combination of operative experience and inpatient care at the downtown Northwestern Memorial Hospital's plastic surgery service.
• PGY2: This year focuses on refining surgical skills with an emphasis on breast reconstruction procedures.
• PGY3: Residents work at both the VA Medical Center and NMH to gain increased autonomy while managing cases like hand trauma and complex reconstructions.
• PGY4-5: Residents transition to performing as competent surgeons while handling complex surgeries and assuming leadership roles.
• PGY6: The emphasis is on increasing independence, leading to ultimate responsibility in the operating room, particularly for complex and reconstructive surgeries.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program values a diverse educational environment, ensuring that residents learn within a multidisciplinary framework that prioritizes comprehensive and compassionate patient care. This commitment to diversity extends to both the patient population as well as the faculty members, enriching the educational experience for all residents.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is regarded as highly competitive. While it is friendly towards osteopathic graduates and IMGs, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate a robust application featuring strong academic performance and relevant experiences. Special application requirements include successful completion of Step 1, valid ECFMG certification for IMGs, and the necessity for clear communication proficiency via English qualifications.