The MUSC Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program offers a comprehensive six-year training experience designed to cultivate expert plastic surgeons proficient in various subspecialties. This program accepts one resident annually, working alongside three fellowship trainees, bringing the total count of residents to nine.
Residents benefit from an extensive clinical experience, actively participating in over 600 inpatient and 1,400 outpatient cases each year. The training spans five hospitals that offer a mix of academic and private practice environments. Core faculty, along with community physicians, foster a collaborative training atmosphere across all years of residency.
Curriculum Structure
The residency encompasses various core areas, including:
- Breast Reconstruction
- Hand Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Body Contouring
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Maxillofacial Trauma
- Oncologic Reconstruction
- Trauma Reconstruction
- Cutaneous Malignancies
Furthermore, residents also engage in training across multiple surgical specialties such as trauma, transplant, orthopedic, ENT, dermatologic, pediatric, oral maxillofacial, surgical critical care, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and vascular surgeries 1.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical experiences are thoughtfully designed and divided into six services, ensuring diverse exposure:
- MUSC 1: General Reconstructive, Hand, Aesthetic, and Oncology rotations LED by Dr. Armstrong
- MUSC 2: Emphasis on Breast Reconstruction, Hand, and General Reconstructive Surgery under Dr. Delaney
- MUSC 3: Rotations encompassing VA, Hand, and Lower Extremity Services
- MUSC 4: Focus on VA, Urology Reconstruction, and further Hand Surgery
- MUSC 5: Craniomaxillofacial and Breast General Reconstruction assignments
- MUSC 6 & 7: Specialized training in Microsurgery and Maxillofacial Trauma
In addition to hands-on surgical experience, residents are expected to engage actively in two weekly conferences and a monthly journal club, along with attending two significant national or regional meetings annually. Attendance at these conferences is fundamental to their educational experience 1.
Research and Educational Activities
Research plays a critical role in the residency, with each resident expected to engage in projects within the Division of Plastic Surgery and submit at least one paper per year to a peer-reviewed journal. This commitment to research cultivates a deeper understanding and fosters advancement in various surgical methodologies 1.
Application and Competitive Landscape
The program is integrated and open to medical students through the NRMP, with applications accepted solely via the PSCA system. Special application requirements include submission through specified channels—no supplementary materials are needed outside of the PSCA application itself. The program does not set a maximum limit on failed STEP examination attempts but maintains a highly competitive atmosphere, welcoming both MD and DO graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs) 1.
Visa Sponsorship
The MUSC Plastic Surgery Residency Program provides visa support for eligible applicants, notably sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas to accommodate international medical graduates 1.
Compensation and Benefits
The residency stipends for the academic year of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, are as follows:
- PGY1: $61,010
- PGY2: $63,101
- PGY3: $65,351
- PGY4: $68,145
- PGY5: $71,081
- PGY6: $73,780
- PGY7: $76,853
- PGY8: $81,098
In addition to competitive salaries, the program offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and complimentary access to facilities such as the MUSC Wellness Center. Annual leave for personal well-being, as well as funding for conferences, rounds out the benefits package available to residents 1.
Unique Aspects of the Program
Over the years, the MUSC Plastic Surgery Residency Program has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to complete prestigious fellowships and obtain significant positions in the medical field, reflecting the effectiveness and depth of training the program offers. The unique blend of academic rigor combined with practical experience equips residents with the required competencies for surgical excellence in various contexts, from trauma to aesthetic procedures 1.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
30hrsFirst Year Salary:
$73,780First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Charleston, SC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Charleston, SC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Charleston has a moderate crime rate, with certain areas experiencing more crime than others. Generally, downtown Charleston is considered safe, but like any city, it's important to be cautious, especially at night.
- Fun Activities: Charleston offers a rich history, beautiful beaches, vibrant culinary scene, and numerous cultural events. Residents can enjoy water sports, explore historical sites, indulge in delicious seafood, and attend music and arts festivals.
- Climate: Charleston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city receives a good amount of rainfall throughout the year.
- Races and Population: Charleston has a diverse population with a mix of races. It is known for its Southern charm and hospitality.
- Education: Charleston is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities for residents. The city also has good schools for families with children.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Charleston is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can be high, but there are affordable options available.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Charleston is roughly 2 hours away from Columbia, SC, and about 4 hours away from Charlotte, NC. Both cities offer additional cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment.
- Pros: Rich history, beautiful beaches, vibrant culinary scene, good educational opportunities.
- Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, higher cost of living in certain neighborhoods.
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