Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Plastic Surgery Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a six-year, ACGME-accredited integrated program designed to cultivate skilled plastic surgeons. Each year, the program admits two residents, providing an opportunity for hands-on training and comprehensive educational experiences. The residency is directed by Dr. John Ingraham and supported by a dedicated faculty comprising nine full-time staff surgeons and additional private-practice plastic surgeons in the Harrisburg area.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center serves as a Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center, hosting an array of subspecialty clinics related to plastic surgery, including hand surgery, skin oncology, cosmetic surgery, craniofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, and treatment of vascular anomalies. The residency program focuses on a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with various specialties, which enhances the educational experience for residents.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive experience across multiple disciplines relevant to plastic surgery. The rotations are distributed over the six years as follows:

PGY-1 Rotations

• Pediatric surgery - 1 month
• Vascular surgery - 1 month
• Orthopaedic trauma surgery - 1 month
• Minimally invasive surgery - 1 month
• Plastic surgery - 2 months
• Surgical ICU - 1 month
• Trauma - 1 month
• Breast and surgical oncology - 1 month
• Night float - 1 month
• Transplant surgery - 1 month
• Colorectal surgery - 1 month

PGY-2 Rotations

• Plastic surgery - 2 months
• Surgical ICU - 1 month
• Neurosurgery - 1 month
• Skin oncology - 1 month
• Breast surgery - 2 months
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery - 1 month
• Anesthesia - 1 month
• Urology - 1 month
• Procedural dermatology - 1 month
• Trauma - 1 month

PGY-3 to PGY-6 Rotations

As residents progress through PGY-3 to PGY-6, they rotate through advanced areas, including reconstructive, aesthetic, and pediatric plastic surgery, hand surgery, and elective rotations tailored to individual interests.

Research and Academic Activities

Research is an essential aspect of training in the Plastic Surgery Residency. Residents are expected to complete at least one abstract annually for local and regional meetings, and many participate in presentations at prestigious national conferences. The residency has connections with NIH-funded projects and allows residents to work in labs, such as the Irvin S. Zubar Plastic Surgery Laboratory, contributing to both basic science and clinical studies.

Application and Competitiveness

Applying to the Plastic Surgery Residency requires candidates to submit applications through the Plastic Surgery Central Application (PSCA). The program generally receives around 300 completed applications per cycle, from which 32 applicants are invited to interview for the two available positions. Interviews are conducted in-person and provide candidates the chance to engage with current residents and faculty members. Competitive candidates often exhibit strong academic credentials and a passion for plastic surgery.

International Rotations

The program offers international rotation opportunities through collaboration with Operation Smile, allowing residents in their fifth and sixth years to engage in elective rotations focused on cleft repairs and other plastic surgical interventions in underserved areas. These experiences not only enrich learning but also contribute to global surgical education.

Visa Support and Special Application Requirements

The residency program provides support for visa sponsorship, typically sponsoring H-1B visas for international medical graduates. Special application requirements are expected, which may include the maximum number of failed STEP exams and the year of graduation being considered, enhancing the program's focus on selecting the most qualified candidates.

Wellness Initiatives

Recognizing the rigors of residency training, the program emphasizes wellness resources to support residents' emotional, social, spiritual, and physical health. This commitment to wellness is reflected in various institutional resources and dedicated networks aimed at fostering resilience and self-care practices among trainees.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program promotes diversity and inclusion through its Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, establishing various initiatives, lectures, and support networks for underrepresented residents. The goal is to foster an inclusive environment that reflects the communities served and prepares residents to provide culturally competent care.