MercyOne Des Moines/PHC Consortium Program

The MercyOne Des Moines General Surgery Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited training program inaugurated in 1921, aimed at fostering a dynamic learning environment to develop proficient and compassionate surgeons. The program boasts a diverse faculty of over 30 members, the majority of whom are fellowship-trained specialists across various areas including Vascular Surgery, Critical Care/Trauma, Breast Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, and Cardiothoracic Surgery. With the absence of surgical fellowships at the institution, residents uniquely retain all operative opportunities within the surgical subspecialties, thereby enhancing their surgical skills significantly.

The program features two crucial external rotations: one at the University of Iowa focusing on Burn Surgery and the other at the University of Nebraska for Transplant Surgery. At its core, the residency operates within a tertiary referral facility with 650 beds in the main hospital and an additional 100 beds in a nearby community hospital, offering a combined total of 22 operating rooms. Each year, the facility wires through more than 20,000 surgical procedures, over 7,000 of which are general surgeries. This experience is complemented by performing ≥6,000 endoscopies annually and managing ≥2,000 trauma cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is meticulously designed to meet the educational needs at each stage of residency. The first year includes extensive rotations in General/Acute Care Surgery, Trauma, Vascular Surgery, and Critical Care, with progressive increases in responsibility each subsequent year culminating in a full year devoted entirely to General Surgery by the fifth year. Additional rotations throughout the residency include Pediatric, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and opportunities for elective time which can be utilized for preparing for fellowship auditions.

Didactic education is deeply embedded into the residency experience, consisting of weekly Grand Rounds, monthly specialty conferences, journal clubs, and hands-on cadaver labs. There is also an Adjunct Instructor Appointment available for all residents at Des Moines University, allowing for involvement in lectures and surgical skills laboratory instruction.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research opportunities within the program are ample, covering a broad range of surgical specialties. Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research, contributing significantly to a vibrant academic environment. The program has produced numerous peer-reviewed publications, illustrating the commitment to scholarly excellence.

Graduate Outcomes and Competition

The program has a proven track record of graduating residents who are well-prepared to enter practice immediately or pursue competitive fellowships across surgical subspecialties. Data from past graduates highlight their success in finding positions in general surgery, critical care, and other competitive fellowships post-residency.

Application Process and Special Requirements

Applicants interested in the General Surgery program should be aware of specific application requirements. Generally, the program is considered competitive; however, it remains friendly towards DOs and IMGs, creating an inclusive atmosphere. Standard application materials and formatting of previous clinical experience may also be stipulated. While no explicit mention of year of graduation or failed STEP exam thresholds is noted, interested candidates are usually encouraged to demonstrate clinical competencies effectively.

Visa Support

The MercyOne Des Moines General Surgery Residency Program supports international medical graduates and sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for qualifying candidates. Ensuring that IMGs can participate fully in the residency program reflects its commitment to diversity and international medical education.

Rotational Experience and Training Sites

Operative experiences are plentiful as the program offers rotations not only at MercyOne Des Moines but also at affiliated institutions, providing residents with a comprehensive training program that encompasses various surgical techniques from open and laparoscopic surgeries to robotic and thoracoscopic procedures.

Summary of Unique Aspects

The MercyOne program prides itself on a non-competitive, supportive environment that nurtures camaraderie amongst residents while ensuring that each resident is equipped with crucial skills before graduation. Offering a high volume of cases coupled with diverse specialty exposure enables residents to emerge as competent and confident practitioners, ready for either immediate practice or further advanced fellowship training.