New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia and Cornell Campus) Program

The Combined Divisions of Plastic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical Center offer a fully ACGME-accredited 6-year Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program in the heart of New York City. This program provides a comprehensive clinical experience across the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgery specialties, including microsurgery, pediatric and craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, and aesthetic surgery. The primary objective of the residency program is to cultivate highly moral, scientifically skilled, and technically proficient surgeons who will excel as leaders in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery throughout their careers 1.

Residents in this program have the unique opportunity to train at two prestigious Ivy League medical institutions, gaining exposure to a variety of clinical environments. Significant hands-on experience is provided at Harlem Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery. Each of these diverse facilities allows residents to engage with a wide array of clinical cases, from complex reconstructions to participation in a resident-run aesthetic surgery clinic. Additional rotations focus on burn care, trauma management, and cancer treatment, ensuring a well-rounded experience 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured into two main phases: the first two years provide prerequisite surgical training across several specialties, including breast surgery, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, burn care, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, and more. This foundational experience prepares residents for the final four years of dedicated plastic surgery training at the affiliated hospitals 1.

The program features a robust didactic curriculum as well, ensuring that residents are well-versed in the theoretical aspects of plastic surgery. Components of this curriculum include weekly educational conferences, Grand Rounds with expert speakers, morbidity and mortality discussions, journal clubs, and anatomy labs. Opportunities for visiting professorships and participating in case presentations further enrich the learning environment 1.

Research Opportunities

As part of their training, residents are expected to engage in independent clinical or basic science research. This is critical for their development as academic surgeons. On average, residents produce at least one academic manuscript per year, with many graduating with multiple publications and presentations in prestigious journals. The program encourages attendance at various regional and national meetings, providing support for involvement in professional organizations 1.

Residency Life

The residency is located conveniently in Manhattan, with access to hospital-subsidized housing in the culturally rich Upper East Side. Living in New York City offers unparalleled opportunities for lifestyle experiences outside of medicine, including access to world-class arts, culture, and recreation. Residents can enjoy attractions like Central Park, renowned museums, Broadway shows, diverse culinary experiences, and a vibrant nightlife 1.

After Residency

Graduates of the program have successfully pursued careers in academic plastic surgery, obtained additional fellowship training in subspecialties, or secured competitive positions in private practice throughout the United States. The program boasts a strong track record, with all graduates participating in the American Board of Plastic Surgery certification process and achieving a 100% board-certification rate 1.

Visa Support

The program supports international medical graduates by sponsoring specific types of visas necessary for residency training. Residents may be eligible for H-1B visas, while the program also may provide guidance and support for J-1 visa applications, depending on individual circumstances. This assistance is crucial for international candidates seeking to train in the United States 1.

Competitiveness

The Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program at NewYork-Presbyterian is recognized as highly competitive. This competitiveness is reflected in the program's commitment to attracting the best and brightest candidates. It is also generally considered friendly towards applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those holding DO degrees and international medical graduates (IMGs) 1.

Application Requirements

Candidates interested in applying to the residency program should be aware of specific application requirements. While the program aims to attract a diverse pool of applicants, candidates who have recently graduated, particularly within a certain time frame, may be preferred. Additionally, the program typically considers the applicant's performance on standardized examinations, with specific thresholds regarding failed Step exams which candidates should be aware of 1.