Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Program
Location:
New York, NYSpecialty:
Thoracic surgery - independentACGME Code:
4603500069The Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) offers a comprehensive training experience in cardiothoracic surgery, designed to cultivate future leaders in the field. This program is ACGME-accredited and spans a rigorous two-year thoracic-track residency. The program's legacy, established in 1990, focuses on providing intensive training in both general thoracic surgery and cardiac surgery, preparing residents to manage a diverse array of conditions affecting the chest.
The curriculum is divided between 15 months dedicated to thoracic surgery and nine months focused on cardiac surgery. Residents benefit from broad exposure to various pathologies, including pulmonary, esophageal, mediastinal, and ischemic heart disease, among others, consolidating their knowledge through hands-on experience and structured training.
Clinical Training
The clinical training is supported by an expansive faculty consisting of ten thoracic surgeons at MSKCC and twenty-one cardiothoracic surgeons at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Weill-Cornell Medical College (NYPH/WCMC). This collaborative environment promotes mentorship and personalized education, ensuring that residents receive guidance from seasoned professionals. Techniques emphasized include minimally invasive methods such as Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery, alleviating patient recovery time while providing residents with the latest surgical techniques.
Education Component
The educational components are meticulously structured through weekly lectures and hands-on workshops, covering the fundamentals of thoracic surgery and patient management. Residents participate in various conferences, including Tumor Board, Cath Conference, and Journal Club, allowing them to engage deeply in multidisciplinary discussions that enhance their clinical acumen. The education also extends to simulation labs, enabling practice outside of the operating room, thereby honing technical skills in a controlled setting.
Research Opportunities
Research is a crucial aspect of the residency program, and residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research to contribute to the field's body of knowledge. The program emphasizes completing a minimum of one to two research projects each year, with opportunities for presentation at national meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals. A structured lecture series on Clinical Research Methods forms the basis of this training, fostering analytical skills necessary for the modern academic surgeon.
Visa Support and Competitive Application Process
The program supports visa sponsorship for international applicants, specifically for J-1 visas, and places a strong emphasis on a diverse and inclusive training environment. The competitiveness of the program is notable, requiring applicants to have completed training in general surgery and be board-eligible or board certified by the American Board of Surgery. Foreign medical graduates with equivalent qualifications are also encouraged to apply, provided they possess a valid ECFMG certificate.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Thoracic Surgery Residency at MSKCC uniquely positions itself within the vibrant community of Manhattan, allowing residents to thrive both in their medical training and personal lives. Aside from a rigorous educational environment, a generous benefits package and assistance with housing are offered for all residents, making living in New York City more manageable.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted via ERAS and should include several components: a personal statement, a minimum of three letters of recommendation, USMLE scores, and ABSITE scores. The program typically accepts two thoracic residents per year, indicating its small and selective nature, which fosters a close-knit learning atmosphere.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is dedicated to preparing its thoracic surgery residents for leadership roles in a complex and evolving healthcare landscape, making it an exceptional choice for prospective surgical trainees.
Website
Director
James Huang, MD, MSAssociate Attending Surgeon, Thoracic Service Appointed Since January 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$106,309First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
New York, NY
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New York, NY
- Crime Rate and Safety: New York City has improved its safety over the years, but like any big city, it does have some crime. However, most areas where medical residents live and work are considered safe.
- Fun Activities: New York City is a hub of culture, entertainment, and dining. From Broadway shows to world-class museums and iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, there's always something to do.
- Climate: New York City experiences all four seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures.
- Races and Population: New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a large population of various races and ethnicities.
- Education: New York City is home to prestigious universities and medical centers, offering ample opportunities for learning and networking.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New York City is high, particularly for housing. Medical residents may need to budget carefully to afford living in the city.
- Nearby Cities: Other major cities like Philadelphia and Boston are within a few hours' drive of New York City. Philadelphia is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car, while Boston is around 3.5 to 4 hours away.
- Pros: Diverse culture, countless entertainment options, easy access to top medical facilities.
- Cons: High cost of living, crowded and fast-paced environment.
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