NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

The Plastic Surgery Residency program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, under the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, provides residents with a comprehensive training experience that encompasses a wide variety of plastic surgery subspecialties. These include aesthetic surgery, breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palate surgery, craniofacial and maxillofacial surgery, extremity reconstruction, facial trauma, gender-affirming surgery, hand surgery, head and neck reconstruction, microsurgery, nonsurgical aesthetics, and ophthalmic plastic surgery. Throughout the training duration, residents are expected to participate in approximately 2,000 surgical procedures, ensuring they acquire substantial hands-on experience in their field 1.

The residency is structured as a six-year integrated program. The first three years emphasize core surgical rotations alongside essential plastic and hand surgery training, with about 17 months dedicated specifically to these areas. Strongly recommended rotations include anesthesia, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oculoplastic surgery. Additionally, core rotations encompass a diverse array of surgical fields including breast and oncological surgery, abdominal and alimentary surgeries, pediatric, vascular, cardiothoracic, transplant, minimally invasive, and trauma and critical care surgery 1.

Clinical Training Sites

Residents receive clinical training through rotations at five key training sites, including NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital and Kimmel Pavilion, NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, along with the Manhattan campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. These settings allow for extensive exposure, as surgeons complete an average of 25 to 30 procedures each day, accompanied by an inpatient census of about 50 to 75 1.

Educational Structure

The program showcases a robust educational framework that encompasses formal conferences, lectures delivered by faculty and visiting professors, journal clubs, and additional learning opportunities through specialized courses and symposia. One of the program's highlights is the annual microsurgery course tailored for incoming PGY-4 residents, complemented by a yearly flap course that integrates practical dissections 1. Recently, a new cadaver education tissue lab was established at the Joan and Joel Smilow Research Center, providing advanced dissection technology to better prepare residents for surgical challenges 1.

Research Opportunities

All residents are encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science research. Facilities are fully equipped for studies in diverse areas such as composite tissue allotransplantation, microsurgery, wound healing, craniofacial growth and development, computer imaging, and fat grafting, fostering an environment of academic inquiry and innovation 1.

Application Process

The residency program accepts applications exclusively through the Plastic Surgery Common Application and participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The program typically offers five residency positions each year, with in-person interviews scheduled for January 1. Candidates are expected to have completed prerequisite medical training at an ACGME-accredited institution and to fulfill eligibility requirements set by the ACGME and the American Board of Plastic Surgery 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. Participants can be sponsored for J-1 or H-1B visa types, which facilitate residency training for foreign nationals 1.

Competitiveness

The NYU Grossman School of Medicine Plastic Surgery Residency program is recognized for its rigorous selection process, making it highly competitive. It welcomes applicants from various medical backgrounds, including MD and DO graduates, and is supportive of international medical graduates (IMGs) 1.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants should meet specific prerequisites concerning their year of graduation and exam performances. Notably, some applicants may be allowed a limited number of failed Step examinations, reflecting the program's inclusive approach to diverse medical training backgrounds 1.

Housing and Compensation

NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides subsidized housing for residents, especially for those relocating from outside the region. Compensation is structured to account for the high cost of living in New York City, ensuring that residents can find accommodations that suit their needs 1.