MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Plastic Surgery offers an integrated six-year training pathway starting from the PGY-1 level. This residency program is designed to cultivate proficient clinical surgeons who excel in both academic and clinical practice. Residents receive extensive training that embodies technical skills, clinical judgment, and ethical practices, preparing them for leadership roles in surgery.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program is structured to provide a robust educational experience over six years. The first year predominantly focuses on general surgery, with three months dedicated to plastic surgery. Year two is primarily focused on plastic surgery, complemented by rotations in burn surgery and critical care, effectively covering key areas such as limb salvage, hand trauma, and reconstructive surgery. From years three to six, residents gain practical exposure through an immersive plastic surgery curriculum, including chief residency responsibilities and the management of surgical services.

Year-wise Breakdown

PGY-1: The initial year is spent on general surgery services, exposing residents to a wide spectrum of surgical disciplines, including trauma, surgical oncology, and vascular surgery. Interns participate in one-month rotations across various surgical services.

PGY-2 and PGY-3: Focus shifts largely to plastic surgery, with significant training in advanced techniques related to limb salvage and upper/lower extremities. Critical care and burn surgery are included to ensure comprehensive training.

PGY-4 to PGY-6: Senior residents lead teams, gaining management experience. The responsibilities expand to include cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction, microsurgical techniques, and pediatric plastic surgeries. Clinical, managerial, and teaching roles constitute a significant part of these last years.

Operative Experience and Rotations

Residents have access to a wide array of surgical cases. Notable training sites within the MedStar Health system include:

• MedStar Washington Hospital Center
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
• MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
• Children's National Medical Center

Select rotations emphasize hand surgery, breast surgery, and gender affirmation surgery, where specialized faculty mentor residents through complex cases.

Research Opportunities

The program supports a strong emphasis on research, facilitated by dedicated research fellows and faculty. Residents are encouraged and provided with resources to pursue their research interests, contributing to significant advancements in the field of plastic surgery. Residents can engage in various research initiatives, with support from biostatisticians and economists to enhance outcomes.

Application Process and Special Requirements

The program utilizes the Plastic Surgery Central Application (PSCA) for its application process, moving away from the ERAS system. The PSCA aims to lower financial barriers and streamline the application for prospective residents. Applicants must possess a minimum USMLE Step 1 score of 220 to be eligible for interviews. The selection process is competitive due to the limited number of residency positions. Interviews are conducted via Zoom, with interaction opportunities with current residents to foster a comprehensive understanding of the program.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to sponsor visas for international medical graduates if they meet specific eligibility criteria. This typically includes J-1 and H-1B visa categories, assisting candidates from abroad to undertake their residency training in the United States.

Cultural and Training Environment

The residency program prides itself on an inclusive and supportive training culture. The faculty, residents, and administrative staff work collaboratively to create an environment filled with respect, encouragement, and enthusiasm for learning. This structured yet nurturing atmosphere allows residents to thrive both personally and professionally throughout their training tenure down the rigorous path of plastic surgery.