MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program

The MedStar Health (Baltimore) Residency Program in General Surgery is a comprehensive and independent educational opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of surgical leaders. This program is proud of its ability to provide a broad range of training experiences, both clinical and operative, and is structured to ensure residents are prepared to excel in patient care by the time they graduate.

Training Environment 1

The program is based primarily at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, with additional rotations at several prestigious institutions including The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland. This diverse training environment allows residents to experience various surgical methodologies and specialties. They benefit from exposure to trauma at Johns Hopkins and a focus on pediatrics at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Operative Experience 1

Residents are immersed in a rigorous hands-on operative training program, which ensures they accumulate extensive surgical experience. By the end of their chief resident year, they are expected to complete between 1,000 to 1,200 major surgeries, including at least 300 major cases. With no fellows in the program, the residents handle cases early in their training, with opportunities for significant operative involvement increasing as they progress in the program.

Curriculum Structure 1

The residency program consists of a structured curriculum that emphasizes comprehensive surgical education. This program spans five years and is divided into several training levels:

• PGY-1: Interns participate in a boot camp to develop foundational skills—practicing informed consent, suturing techniques, and ACLS skills.
• PGY-2 and PGY-3: Residents engage in advanced skills training, including laparotomy and other operative techniques, and begin hands-on endovascular experience.
• PGY-4 and PGY-5: Senior residents refine robotic skills and take on teaching roles for junior residents.

Throughout these years, there are dedicated sessions for advanced skills training using simulators, giving residents a safe environment to hone their techniques.

Research Opportunities 1

The program is committed to fostering research involvement. Residents can participate in diverse aspects of clinical research, with opportunities for an additional research year after their second postgraduate year. The Research Education Initiative is a continuous curriculum that supports residents in becoming proficient clinical researchers.

Visa Support 2

For international medical graduates, the residency program sponsors J1 visas. Applicants must hold a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and should be within two years of graduation from medical school to qualify. These requirements ensure that applicants are adequately screened for integration into the program.

Application Competitiveness and Requirements 2

The MedStar Health program is known for its competitiveness in the surgical residency landscape, actively seeking diverse candidates. All applicants are required to submit through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key application documents include a Common Application Form, curriculum vitae, personal statement, medical school transcript, and letters of recommendation, along with proof of passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2.

There are no minimum score requirements; however, candidates must demonstrate an overall strong application, and foreign medical graduates should apply within the specified timeframe post-graduation.

Faculty and Mentorship 4

The program boasts a distinguished faculty whose collective experience covers a wide spectrum of surgical specialties. Residents benefit from advanced mentorship from faculty members, who actively participate in the educational aspects while also engaging in clinically relevant surgical practices.

Rotations 1

Residents complete rotations across multiple MedStar hospitals, allowing exposure to various surgical cases and methodologies. The rotations are designed to enhance practical experience while exposing residents to a variety of surgical environments.

Annual Reports and Outcomes 1

The program provides annual reports showcasing resident achievements and surgical outcomes, reflecting its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.