The Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program at Rutgers Health - New Jersey Medical School is designed to deliver comprehensive training in vascular surgery. The program has achieved ACGME accreditation since October 2021 and enrolls one resident annually, starting each July. It operates within New Jersey's largest academic health system, in conjunction with the RWJBarnabas Health System, to provide residents with diverse and extensive training opportunities in vascular surgery.
The training occurs across several hospitals, including:
- University Hospital, Newark
- Beth Israel Medical Center
- Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
- Jersey City Medical Center
Each facility offers unique training environments, ensuring that residents gain exposure to a variety of clinical scenarios and procedures.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is structured around didactic learning and active clinical practice. The didactic component includes:
- A weekly Preoperative Case Conference
- Monthly Vascular Surgery Morbidity & Mortality sessions
- Journal Club presentations
- Core Curriculum Lectures
- Mock Oral Boards for exam preparation
Residents participate in these conferences in person or virtually, maintaining the flexibility required for busy clinical schedules. Additionally, residents are allocated specific time to interpret vascular studies, thus preparing for the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) examination.
Research Opportunities
The Division of Vascular Surgery actively participates in numerous clinical trials, including prominent studies like BEST-CLI and CREST. Residents will have the opportunity to engage in research initiatives, enhancing their understanding of evidence-based practices in vascular surgery. This involvement not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters an innovative atmosphere where residents can contribute to and learn from cutting-edge surgical advancements.
Training Facilities
Training takes place in several hospitals with specialized surgical centers offering a range of procedures from routine to complex operations:
- University Hospital: A quaternary care facility with 519 beds, it serves as the primary teaching hospital for the program.
- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center: A 665-bed facility renowned for its cardiac programs and advanced hybrid operating rooms.
- Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center: A 577-bed teaching hospital in Livingston, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for surgery.
- Jersey City Medical Center: A 316-bed community hospital, which focuses on treating vascular problems in a community setting.
Special Application Requirements
Applicants to the Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program must adhere to specific eligibility criteria. They are expected to submit an electronic residency application, including:
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- USMLE scores
Interviews are extensive and personalized, conducted virtually. Competitiveness for this program is considered high, with a focus on applicants who demonstrate both clinical excellence and strong recommendations.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, specifically for J-1 visas, allowing them to complete their residency in the United States. This support is essential for attracting a diverse cohort of residents from various backgrounds.
Competitiveness and Inclusivity
Given its rigor and scope, the Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program is deemed highly competitive. However, it actively considers applicants from DO and IMG backgrounds, reinforcing an inclusive environment that promotes diverse perspectives in surgical practice.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The program emphasizes not just academic excellence but also professional development through active involvement in the Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG), which focuses on fostering interest in vascular surgery among medical students through workshops and mentorship. This community of learning supports trainees in building a professional network and developing skills necessary for a successful career in vascular surgery.
In summary, the Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program at Rutgers Health - New Jersey Medical School provides a robust training experience through its comprehensive curriculum, diverse clinical exposure, and commitment to research and innovation.
Website
Director
Saqib Zia, MDProgram Director and Associate Professor Vascular Surgery Appointed Since September 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$61,749First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
12 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Newark, NJ
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Newark, NJ
Newark, NJ is a city rich in history and culture. Here are some aspects to consider about living in Newark:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Newark has a reputation for having a higher crime rate compared to other cities. While efforts have been made to improve safety, it's important to be vigilant.
- Fun Activities: Newark offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is home to the Newark Museum, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Prudential Center.
- Climate: Newark experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow in the winter months.
- Races and Population: Newark is a diverse city, with a population that includes a mix of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian residents.
- Education: Newark is home to several universities and colleges, including Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Newark is relatively high compared to national averages, especially in terms of housing costs.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Newark is approximately 9 miles from New York City, which can be reached in about 30-40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). New York City offers additional opportunities for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Cultural diversity, proximity to New York City, educational opportunities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate, higher cost of living.
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