Orlando Health Program

The Orlando Health General Surgery Residency program is a five-year, ACGME-accredited program dedicated to the training of competent and skilled surgeons. The program places a strong emphasis on graduate medical education, providing residents with a well-rounded experience across various surgical disciplines and facilitating a progressive responsibility for patient care.

Program Overview

The residency structure comprises six categorical and six preliminary PGY1 positions, with residents gaining extensive clinical exposure at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (OHORMC), Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. OHORMC serves as the primary training site with an extensive volume of surgeries and trauma admissions providing a unique learning environment for residents. The program offers residents an opportunity to work with a diverse patient population, ranging from local residents to international visitors—making this setting ideal for surgical training.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum is structured to ensure progressive responsibility. Residents can expect to participate in rotations that include Acute Care Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, Pediatric Surgery, and Vascular Surgery. The initial years focus on core surgical skills while later years allow for greater autonomy and leadership responsibilities. Each year, residents are required to complete at least two research projects for presentation and publication, fostering an environment of academic excellence and inquiry.

Training Sites and Facilities

The program boasts a diverse array of training sites: OHORMC features the region’s only Level One Trauma Center and a verified Burn Center. The Arnold Palmer Hospital specifically caters to pediatric needs, and the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital serves a wide variety of adult cases. Each site is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources essential for delivering high-quality surgical education.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the residency, with structured requirements that involve the revision and development of evidence-based guidelines during the surgical critical care rotation. Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research projects that can evolve into presentations at national conferences.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Orlando Health has received recognition for its advanced robotic surgery program, which is one of the largest in the nation. This program offers cutting-edge surgical techniques to its residents, enhancing their training in minimally invasive procedures. Furthermore, the residency program has formal affiliations with Florida State University College of Medicine, enriching the educational experience through collaborative initiatives.

Benefits and Salary

Residents at Orlando Health enjoy a competitive benefits package, which includes low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additional benefits encompass generous meal stipends, free secure parking, funding for educational resources, and opportunities for educational conferences. The salary progression is as follows: PGY 1 - $60,200, PGY 2 - $62,600, PGY 3 - $65,100, PGY 4 - $68,200, and PGY 5 - $71,000.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, attracting talented applicants nationally and internationally. Minimum eligibility requirements include passing all parts of the USMLE (with emphasis on achieving a passing score on Step 1) and graduating from an accredited medical institution. Applicants must provide their scores with the initial ERAS application, and successful completion of USMLE Step 2 is expected prior to the start of residency training. The program notably accepts J1 visas, which can be advantageous for international medical graduates.

Resident Wellness Initiatives

Understanding the rigor of surgical training, the program emphasizes physician wellness and resilience with various supportive resources available for resident mental health and well-being. This reflects the program's commitment to fostering a supportive environment.