Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Urology Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a five-year integrated program designed to cultivate highly skilled urologists dedicated to patient care and community well-being. Each year, the program accepts three residents, emphasizing individualized training within a robust clinical and surgical environment.

Program Structure

The residency begins with a one-year internship under the Department of Urology, which includes six months dedicated to general surgery and six months of urology. This foundational year enhances skills in varied medical and surgical contexts. Following the internship, the subsequent four years include comprehensive exposure to all urologic disciplines, where residents progressively manage an increasing patient load and demonstrate independent clinical management of urologic conditions.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Urology Residency's curriculum integrates a structured rotation process, allowing residents to focus on one area of urology at a time under direct supervision from experienced faculty members. Each rotation typically lasts about two months, providing extensive practical experience and repetition that is crucial for skill enhancement. Residents engage repeatedly with various services throughout the program, ensuring a well-rounded training experience.

Research and Scholarship

At Penn State, all residents are expected to participate in scholarly activities as part of their training, with opportunities to engage in various research areas, including basic science, clinical trials, outcomes research, and medical education. The program is supported by dedicated research staff and infrastructure, facilitating grant applications and statistical analysis. Residents receive financial support to attend and present at regional and national conferences.

Benefits and Stipends

Residents in the Urology Residency program receive competitive stipends starting at $66,000 for the first year and increasing each subsequent year up to $79,488 for the fifth year. Additional benefits include health insurance, dental and vision plans, up to 20 days of annual vacation, and tuition reductions for additional education at Penn State campuses.

Application Process

Applicants to the Urology Residency must be graduates of an accredited medical school. Notably, acceptance into the Urology Residency guarantees a PGY-1 position in the General Surgery Residency, negating the need for a separate application to that program. Applications are submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and candidates must also register with the American Urological Association (AUA) Residency Match. International medical graduates (IMGs) are welcomed, and the program is designed to facilitate the participation of diverse applicants.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for eligible international applicants. Common visa types sponsored include the J-1 and H-1B visas, making the program accessible to a broad array of candidates from various educational backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The Urology Residency is considered competitive, attracting applicants with strong academic records, clinical experiences, and recommendations. The program is friendly to DOs and IMGs, and there are no specific limits on failed USMLE/COMLEX attempts for applicants.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Urology Residency emphasizes wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, integrating these values into both the training environment and patient care. Initiatives in place aim to foster a culture of respect among residents, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, the department embraces an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging residents from all backgrounds to become active participants in their education and professional development.

Living in Hershey, PA

The Hershey area, known for its rich history and family-friendly environment, offers a low cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas. Residents can enjoy an array of local attractions, outdoor activities, and diverse dining options. Proximity to large cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. enhances the overall living experience by providing access to numerous cultural and recreational opportunities.