Riverside University Health System/University of California Riverside Program

The Riverside University Health System/University of California Riverside General Surgery Residency Program in Moreno Valley provides a comprehensive, innovative, and fully accredited ACGME residency experience aimed at developing highly skilled and ethical general surgeons. With a focus on education, clinical exposure, and community service, the program integrates hands-on surgical training, classroom education, and research activities.

Curriculum Overview

The program consists of a structured curriculum that combines clinical rotations, didactic learning, and skills training. Residents are expected to participate in various activities, including weekly teaching conferences, basic science conferences, journal clubs, and departmental grand rounds to enrich their educational experience 1. The residency program is designed to provide early exposure to surgical procedures, allowing residents to log between 150 to 200 cases during their first year, which includes performing operations like laparoscopic appendectomies 1.

Clinical Rotations

Residents will rotate through diverse surgical services, including general surgery, trauma and acute care at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center, and various surgical subspecialties such as transplant surgery and pediatric surgery. The residency includes experiences at distinguished institutions such as Kaiser Permanente and Loma Linda University Medical Center, giving residents a multifaceted training environment 2.

The residency program follows a gradual progression, allowing increasing responsibilities as residents advance from PGY-1 through PGY-5. For instance, PGY-1 residents primarily engage in general surgical services, while upper-level residents manage more complex cases and even lead surgical teams 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the residency program. All PGY-1 residents are required to submit an abstract for publication or presentation at recognized meetings and complete a research project during their training. Residents are mentored throughout this process to develop research skills, including methodology, literature analysis, and data interpretation 3.

Commitment to Underserved Populations

The program emphasizes serving the underserved populations of Riverside County. Residents participate in initiatives that aim to make a substantial difference in the local community while gaining essential clinical experience 1.

Training Sites

Primary training occurs at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center, a cutting-edge facility with a capacity of 439 beds, including extensive operating rooms, trauma centers, and digital radiology services 2. Additionally, collaboration with hospitals like Kaiser Permanente offers further diverse training placements.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To be considered for the program, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as visa sponsorship is not available 4. The program is considered competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate strong academic credentials, communication skills, and relevant clinical experience. It is recommended that applicants not be more than five years out of medical school and that their USMLE Part I score exceed 215 to be competitive 5. The residency program does not discriminate based on sex, race, or other legally protected statuses.

Salary and Benefits

As of July 1, 2024, the base salaries for residents are PGY-1: $70,962; PGY-2: $73,311; PGY-3: $76,193; PGY-4: $79,200; PGY-5: $82,441. In addition to a competitive salary, residents receive health and dental insurance, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and 15 days of paid vacation per year 6.

Unique Program Aspects

This residency program's unique aspects include its robust focus on research, commitment to underserved communities, and integration of advanced simulation training into the curriculum for skills development. The use of state-of-the-art simulators prepares residents for real-life surgical scenarios and fosters technical expertise 1.