Residency Advisor
Hershey, PA

Specialty:

Surgery

ACGME Code:

4404121287

NRMP Program Code:

1617440P0, 1617440C0, 1617440P2
YOG 1 Research Focused DO FriendlyJ1

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

Unique Aspects of the Program

In addition to clinical training, the program prides itself on a commitment to wellness and diversity. The institution offers wellness initiatives targeting emotional, spiritual, and social health, as well as support networks for residents and their families. The residency also features a dedicated Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which fosters a culture of inclusivity and mentorship among underrepresented residents.

Overall, the General Surgery Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center provides an extensive, well-structured training that combines theoretical education with practical, hands-on surgical training across a robust network of clinical and research facilities.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

17, 8, 5, 5, 5 (5 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation with Warning since January 1970

Composition

MD
DO
U.S. IMG
Non-U.S. IMG

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

75 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

24 hours

First Year Salary:

$66,000

First Year Paid Vacation:

15 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

Unlimited days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
89%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
1.2X
Residents Career Path
Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
-
Visa Sponsorship:
J1
YOG Cutoff:
1

Match History

Track: 1617440C0

2024

4 of 4

2023

4 of 4

2022

4 of 4

2021

4 of 4

2020

4 of 4

Track: 1617440P0

2024

0 of 10

2022

0 of 9

2020

0 of 10

Track: 1617440P2

2022

1 of 1

2021

0 of 1
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Location

Hershey, PA

Population
13,858
Income
$78,750
Education
49.1%
Employment
62.9%
Health
2.2%
Age
46
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Hershey, PA

Hershey, PA is a charming town known for its chocolate production. Here are some aspects of living in Hershey

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    Hershey is generally considered a safe town with a lower crime rate compared to larger cities.
  • Fun Activities
    Residents can enjoy attractions like Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and various events hosted by the Hershey Entertainment Complex.
  • Climate
    Hershey experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
  • Races and Population
    The population of Hershey is diverse, with a mix of various races and ethnicities.
  • Education
    Hershey is home to the Milton Hershey School and several public schools known for their quality education.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in Hershey is generally higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities
    Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is about 15 miles away from Hershey and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car. Harrisburg offers more city amenities and cultural attractions.

Pros
Charming town with a strong sense of community, abundance of family-friendly activities, and proximity to larger cities.

Cons
Higher cost of living, limited nightlife options compared to big cities.

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