McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is designed to provide comprehensive training and education to residents aspiring to become skilled surgeons. The program emphasizes education as a primary mission, ensuring that residents are viewed as unique individuals with distinct learning needs. Faculty members are committed to creating an educational environment that fosters learning and professional development.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed with a focus on education over service and consists of multiple components:

• Three Junior Clinical Years - Residents will engage in hands-on clinical training across various surgical specialties.
• Two Professional Development and Research Years - These years allow residents to engage in research endeavors and develop their professional skills.
• Two Senior Clinical Years - Emphasizing advanced surgical techniques and leadership responsibilities.

Clinical rotations include acute care surgery, trauma, colorectal surgery, breast surgery, surgical oncology, and more, providing residents integral exposure to preoperative, operative, and postoperative patient care, thereby enhancing their surgical competence and confidence 1.

Research and Career Development

Residents are actively encouraged to participate in research activities during their training. The Starzl Academy for Physician-Scientist Training is available to provide resources and mentorship for residents interested in pursuing research. The program values research as an essential part of surgical education and career development 1.

Competitive Aspects

The program is highly competitive and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs). There are no rigid requirements for the number of years since medical school graduation, nor is previous U.S. clinical experience mandatory. Successful applicants may apply for the J-1 visa, sponsored through ECFMG for residency training, which reflects the program's commitment to welcoming a global cohort of residents 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the General Surgery Residency Program, candidates must submit their application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A complete application includes:

• ERAS application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• USMLE transcript
• Medical school transcript
• Medical school performance evaluation (dean's letter)
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)

The program also stipulates that candidates should be ECFMG-certified by the application deadline, underlining the importance of timely submission of all documents 1.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The Department of Surgery is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion among residents, in line with its goal of providing patient care that reflects the community's diversity. Various initiatives have been undertaken, including the formation of a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and a holistic recruitment process that ensures candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups in medicine are given proper consideration.

Interviews and Informational Sessions

Interviews for the residency program will be conducted virtually and are by invitation only. The interview process serves as a key step in the selection for the program. Additionally, the program provides informational sessions to applicants, covering aspects like clinical duties, research opportunities, and the program's culture and values, enhancing the applicants’ understanding of the residency experience 1.

Non-Clinical Mentorship

The program also offers a non-clinical mentorship program for residents. This program aims to support residents in aspects of work-life balance, leadership development, and personal growth, extending beyond the clinical and research mentorship typically offered. Various faculty mentors are available to discuss different topics relevant to the residency experience 1.

Resident Policies

The General Surgery Residency Program maintains a set of policies that govern the residency experience, including guidelines on clinical competency, moonlighting, leave policies, and duty hours. These policies ensure a well-structured environment conducive to both personal and professional development for residents 1.

Training Sites

The residency provides a wealth of clinical sites in Chicago, each offering distinctive training experiences. Highlights include Cook County Health, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, ensuring broad exposure to various surgical cases and populations 2.