Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Program in Colon and Rectal Surgery

The Colon and Rectal Surgery program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers a comprehensive training pathway for residents who are interested in specializing in colorectal surgery. The program focuses on training surgeons through a combination of clinical experience, surgical proficiency, and scholarly research, preparing residents for a successful career in this challenging field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum integrates robust clinical rotations, lectures, and hands-on training, emphasizing the latest techniques and technologies in colorectal surgery. Over the course of the program, residents engage in a variety of educational activities including:

• Clinical Rotations: Rotations are designed to cover all aspects of colon and rectal surgery, including advanced laparoscopic techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and management of complex cases. Residents will spend time in the operating room, observing and participating in surgeries under the direct supervision of experienced faculty.
• Research Opportunities: Residents are encouraged to participate in research projects, contributing to advancements in colorectal surgery. Opportunities include clinical trials, basic science research, and outcomes studies. Support from faculty mentors ensures residents are equipped to produce publishable work.
• Didactic Sessions: Regularly scheduled lectures and conferences allow residents to stay current with the latest developments in the field and reinforce their learning through case discussions and morbidity and mortality reviews.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The OHSU Colon and Rectal Surgery program distinguishes itself through the following features:

• Multidisciplinary Approach: The program fosters collaborative relationships with other specialties, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and gastroenterology. This ensures that residents gain comprehensive insights into patient care from multiple perspectives.
• Innovative Surgical Techniques: Residents are trained in cutting-edge surgical approaches, including robotic-assisted surgery and advanced endoscopy to enable the best patient outcomes.
• Fellowship Training: OHSU's close ties with the surgical fellowship programs provide residents with expanded training options upon completion of their residencies.

Training Sites

Residents will primarily train at:

• OHSU Hospital: A leading academic hospital that provides a full spectrum of surgical care and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
• OHSU Night Market: An immersive experience in a diverse and community-oriented environment allowing residents to engage with patient populations from all backgrounds, enhancing their cultural competence.

Visa Support

The OHSU Colon and Rectal Surgery program offers visa sponsorship to qualified international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for residents who meet the necessary application requirements.

Competitiveness of the Program

The OHSU Colon and Rectal Surgery program is known to be highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic backgrounds along with clinical experience. The program aims to attract a diverse array of candidates, including those from DO backgrounds and international candidates.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a prerequisite general surgery residency.
• Consideration may be given to applicants with a maximum of one failed step exam, demonstrating resilience and capability.
• Year of graduation from medical school should ideally be less than five years from the application date.

These prerequisites assure that the residents are not only qualified but also ready to excel in a rigorous training environment.