OhioHealth/Riverside Methodist Hospital Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Riverside Methodist Hospital is a five-year ACGME-accredited program that prepares residents to become adept and skilled surgeons. Each year, the program accepts five categorical residents and four preliminary residents, ensuring a robust learning environment within the institution's expansive 1,059-bed teaching hospital, which has received recognition as one of the nation's best hospitals 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive surgical training across all general surgery disciplines, with a high patient volume that facilitates extensive hands-on experience. The first year of training includes both medical and surgical rotations, while the second and third years focus on general surgery and its subspecialties. In the fourth and fifth years, residents take on primary responsibilities for patient care, including managing uninsured patients at the hospital and in outpatient clinics, and trauma patients, all under the supervision of certified teaching physicians 1.

Rotation Opportunities

Residents in the program benefit from diverse rotation opportunities beyond Riverside Methodist Hospital itself. They experience rotations at nationally recognized academic and medical centers which include:

• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, known for its multidisciplinary approach.
• Nationwide Children's Hospital, positioned as America’s second-largest pediatric hospital.
• The Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center, servicing veterans through various facilities.

Through these partnerships, residents gain exposure to a wide array of surgical conditions and advanced surgical techniques 1.

Training Facilities

The Center for Medical Education & Innovation (CME+I) offers a state-of-the-art environment for surgical training, replicating hospital settings. This facility incorporates advanced simulation technologies for various skills including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, among others. The varied labs and simulators prepare residents for practical challenges they will face in real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing their training experience 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The program promotes engagement in scholarly activities, providing residents with the guidance of full-time dedicated faculty. Residents are encouraged to pursue quality improvement projects and have opportunities to present their findings at various state and national conferences. Many residents have published their research in peer-reviewed journals, further contributing to the field of surgical medicine 1.

Mentorship and Fellowship Placements

Riverside offers a tailored mentorship program where residents are paired with faculty members that align with their interests, fostering professional growth and guidance in their chosen specialty. The program boasts an impressive five-year board pass rate of 95%, signifying its commitment to excellence in surgical education. Graduates have successfully entered a variety of practice settings and fellowship opportunities, ranging from general surgery and acute care surgery to more specialized fields like vascular surgery and surgical oncology 1.

Resident Well-Being

The program is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of its residents. Strategies to promote a healthy work-life balance include:

• Three weeks of paid vacation.
• Complimentary membership to on-site fitness centers.
• Concierge services to assist with daily needs.
• Discounted daycare facilities.

Additionally, the program offers an employee assistance program for further resident support 1.

Application Process

The application process is competitive, and interested candidates must apply through the Office of Medical Education at Riverside Methodist Hospital via ERAS. While the program does not specify maximum failures on the USMLE Step exams, they do emphasize a strong academic background; thus, adept performance on examinations is suggested 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates and can assist with J-1 and H-1B visa processes, making it accessible for qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds 1.

Competitiveness

The General Surgery Residency at Riverside Methodist is regarded as a highly competitive program. It is supportive of DO applicants and welcomes International Medical Graduates (IMGs), making it a more inclusive option for candidates from diverse backgrounds 1.