Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The General Surgery Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a five-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare residents for leadership roles in clinical and academic surgery. The program admits five residents each year and emphasizes a comprehensive training approach to develop surgical skills along with an understanding of basic science as it applies to surgical practice. Residents undergo rigorous training in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care across various surgical disciplines.

Residents experience diverse clinical rotations across several sites, including the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hampden Medical Center, Lancaster Medical Center, and UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic. This variety ensures a well-rounded exposure to different aspects of general surgery, including trauma, surgical oncology, and minimally invasive techniques, while also providing a setting that includes a large quaternary referral and Level I Trauma Center environment.

Curriculum Overview

The residency is structured to build competency year by year, with the first two years focusing on core surgical principles. The initial training includes basic surgical skills, history taking, and patient management under supervision, providing a robust foundation necessary for subsequent clinical responsibilities. The third through fifth years enable residents to take on more complex cases and engage in leadership roles within the team.

Each Thursday morning is protected for education, featuring SCORE-based lectures followed by case-based discussions and simulation training in the Clinical Simulation Center. This helps residents practice laparoscopic techniques and develop team management skills through crisis simulations. Additionally, the curriculum integrates topics like ethics and the role of residents as teachers.

Rotation Schedule

During the first two years, residents participate in clinical rotations that cover surgical subspecialties, while later years concentrate on advanced surgical techniques and complex cases. The program encompasses various mandatory conferences, including morbidity and mortality meetings, as well as grand rounds that foster critical learning and improvement.

Research Opportunities

The program also emphasizes research, encouraging residents to dedicate two years for clinical or basic science research through the Department of Surgery. This experience aims to enhance academic credentials and prepare residents for competitive fellowships. Additionally, individuals pursuing research are encouraged to access master’s degree programs at Penn State, broadening their academic scope.

Visa Support

The residency program supports visa applications, primarily for J-1 visas. This is essential for international medical graduates seeking to join the program and allows for a broad range of applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Competitiveness

The General Surgery Residency is recognized as highly competitive. The selection committee looks for candidates who not only excel academically but demonstrate a commitment to surgery through clinical experience and leadership. While experiencing a robust applicant pool, the program remains DO/IMG friendly, welcoming applicants from diverse medical schools and training backgrounds.

Application Requirements