Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Thoracic Surgery Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a two-year, ACGME-accredited program that admits one fellow per year. The program is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge for certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Program Structure

The fellowship is structured around a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both pediatric cardiothoracic surgery in the first year and adult cardiac surgery in the second year. During the first year, fellows concentrate on open and minimally invasive procedures for various conditions affecting the thoracic cavity, which includes clear exposure to congenital cardiac surgery. A diverse operative experience is maintained with expectations for the fellow to complete at least 350 surgical procedures as the primary surgeon during the training.

Rotations

The program consists of three-month rotations divided into seven blocks, with an additional eighth block dedicated to elective rotations. The first-year fellow typically focuses on congenital cardiac (block 1) and general thoracic surgery (blocks 2 and 3). The second year shifts to adult cardiac surgery covering topics such as heart failure surgery and cardiac transplantation.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum is designed to foster a balance between didactic learning and practical experience. Key learning components include:

• Clinical Skills Development: Fellows engage in a wide range of surgical techniques from basic procedures to advanced cardiac interventions. They participate in outpatient clinics, pre- and post-operative patient evaluations, and surgical case presentations.
• Competency-Based Goals: The program is aligned with the Thoracic Surgery Curriculum established by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association, ensuring comprehensive exposure to both thoracic and pediatric surgical techniques.
• Research Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects within the Heart and Vascular Institute, contributing to advancements in cardiothoracic surgery.

Training Sites and Facilities

The primary training site is Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is a flagship teaching hospital with advanced facilities. The center hosts dedicated surgical, neuroscience, cardiovascular, trauma, and medical intensive care units, along with a robust emergency department and outpatient services.

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, typically assisting with J-1 visas. The support ensures that fellows can focus on their training and professional development without administrative stress.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, with a structured application process requiring candidates to have completed an accredited general surgery residency. The program is open to foreign-trained residents as well, making it somewhat IMG-friendly under the right qualifications. Applicants are expected to have no more than one failed USMLE STEP exam attempt and should submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Matching Service.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing attributes of the fellowship is the integration of clinical education with research, enabling fellows to engage with cutting-edge treatment modalities. The program also emphasizes mentorship, pairing fellows with faculty and experienced surgical teams for a guided learning experience.

Wellness Resources

Recognizing the demanding nature of medical training, the program incorporates wellness initiatives aimed at supporting fellows’ mental and physical health. Resources include counseling services, educational events on wellness topics, and partnerships with community organizations.

Diversity and Inclusion

The institution promotes a culture of inclusion with various programs designed to support diversity among residents and fellows. Their commitment extends to addressing disparities in health care delivery and promoting equitable opportunities within the fellowship.

Fellow Outcomes and Expectations

Upon completion of the fellowship, participants are expected to demonstrate proficiency in managing a wide array of thoracic and cardiac surgical cases independently, show leadership skills in surgical settings, and contribute to the education of future medical professionals.