New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center Program

General Surgery Residency Program Overview

The General Surgery Residency Program at New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center is designed to foster the development of skilled and knowledgeable surgeons. The program integrates intensive clinical training across a network of affiliated hospitals in New York City, providing residents with diverse surgical experiences.

Residents rotate through multiple hospitals, including Metropolitan Hospital Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Phelps Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Jacobi Medical Center, Lincoln Medical Center, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, allowing for a comprehensive learning experience.

Curriculum and Educational Structure

The curriculum at the General Surgery Residency Program emphasizes a diverse and rigorous educational experience. Weekly educational conferences take place at each participating institution, ensuring that residents receive continuous education tailored to their current position.

Monthly, residents gather for "Mega Wednesday" conferences at Metropolitan Hospital. These sessions include morbidity and mortality rounds, grand rounds on different topics including clinical pathology, tumor board discussions, and journal clubs. This structure enables residents to engage in meaningful academic discourse and clinical inquiry, essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in surgical practice.

Research Opportunities

The program actively promotes research as part of the educational experience. Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research projects, and many opt for additional years of funded research in state-of-the-art facilities. This commitment to research helps residents to develop publication skills, as the department boasts a strong record of contributions to major scientific journals.

Training Sites

Training occurs across numerous esteemed institutions which are all part of the residency program. Each training site offers unique experiences:

• Metropolitan Hospital Center: The primary training base primarily serves a diverse, underserved population.
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Renowned for its comprehensive cancer care and advanced surgical oncology techniques.
• Jacobi Medical Center: Provides experience in trauma and critical care surgery.
• Maria Fareri Children's Hospital: Offers specialized training in pediatric surgery.
• Phelps Memorial Hospital: Focuses on acute care and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements

The General Surgery Residency Program is considered highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. medical graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants must have graduated from an LCME-approved medical school. Foreign medical graduates are required to have a valid ECFMG certificate.

Key application components include:

• Completed ERAS application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official medical school transcript
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letter)
• USMLE board scores (both Steps I and II)

Benefits

Residents in the program receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Annual stipends for educational resources such as books and test preparation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403B retirement plan options with contributions during the first two years
• Paid malpractice insurance
• Conference reimbursements for attendance at professional meetings

Resident Wellness

The program places significant emphasis on resident wellness, recognizing the inherent stresses of residency training. Comprehensive wellness initiatives are implemented to support residents' physical and mental health, including accessible mental health resources through the Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion

The General Surgery Residency Program prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Emphasizing the importance of a varied resident cohort, the program strives to reflect the cultural diversity of New York City, which enriches the residency experience and prepares residents to serve an equally diverse patient population.

Visa Sponsorship Information

The program supports various visa types for international medical graduates, notably the J-1 visa, to facilitate their participation in the residency program. This assists in broadening the program's diversity.

Life in New York City

Residents have the unique opportunity to live and work in one of the world's most vibrant cities. With access to a rich tapestry of cultural events, dining experiences, and recreational activities, New York City offers a stimulating environment outside of residency duties. Many residents choose to live in neighborhoods close to the hospital for convenience, immersing themselves in the dynamic life of the city.