Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

General Surgery Residency Program Overview

The General Surgery Residency Program at the Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is committed to producing highly skilled surgeons through a combination of rigorous clinical training, research opportunities, and a supportive learning environment. The program highlights its dedication to fostering future academic leaders in surgery.

The residency is structured to encompass a diverse array of surgical experiences, spanning various specialties and settings. All categorical residents will complete a minimum of one year dedicated to research, allowing them to engage in professional development and contributing significantly to their education.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications to the General Surgery Residency Program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program requires three letters of recommendation, though a total of four letters may be permitted. A chair's letter is not mandatory. Interviews are conducted virtually, and candidates must adhere to the application deadlines specified by the program.

The program also welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa support, although applicants must have already obtained a visa due to increasing difficulties with visa issuance.

Applicants need to possess a valid visa status to ensure eligibility, and there may be specific requirements concerning the graduation year from medical school. While there is no explicit cap on the number of failed STEP exams, strong performance in the examinations will enhance an applicant’s competitiveness for this highly regarded program.

Curriculum Structure

The residency spans five years of intensive training, beginning with the PGY-1 year, where residents are immersed in the fundamentals of general surgery. Residents gain invaluable experience in managing both preoperative consultations and postoperative care across multiple surgical specialties.

The curriculum is designed progressively, with the PGY-2 year expanding upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first year, as residents participate in critical care rotations and senior-level calls. PGY-3 residents assume greater leadership roles and engage in complex trauma and emergency surgery rotations.

Research Opportunities

Following the PGY-2 or PGY-3 years, residents are invited to enter research fellowships, dedicating time to either basic science or clinical research projects. This pivotal research year can be tailored according to individual interests and is encouraged to be spent at outside institutions as well. The program has a strong track record of residents achieving first authorship on major publications during their training.

Clinical Rotations

Residents rotate through several prestigious clinical sites, gaining exposure to a comprehensive surgical environment:

• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: As the program's flagship site, residents gain exposure to a broad spectrum of surgical specialties, including Trauma Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology, and Transplant Surgery.
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• Bristol Myer's Squibb Children's Hospital: This site offers rotations in pediatric surgery, encompassing a range from neonatal interventions to adolescent bariatric surgeries.
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• RWJ Monmouth Medical Center: Here, residents obtain experience in community surgical settings, covering general surgery and specialties such as vascular and bariatric surgery.
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• Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center: Provides diversity through its elective and emergency general surgery rotations, as well as experience in vascular and thoracic surgery.
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• St. Peter's University Hospital: A recent addition to the surgical residency's clinical rotations, focusing on community surgical experiences, including pediatric and vascular surgery.
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Educational Features and Resident Wellness

Education is a cornerstone of the residency program. The program features a structured didactic curriculum that includes weekly lectures, hands-on simulation training, and morbidity and mortality conferences.

Residents are afforded dedicated time each week for learning activities that are devoid of clinical responsibilities, fostering a balanced training schedule. This commitment ensures that residents not only develop their surgical skills but also refine their leadership and teaching abilities in academia.

Furthermore, the program strongly emphasizes resident wellness. Initiatives such as “Wellness Wednesdays” allow residents to prioritize their health and personal affairs, encouraging a balanced lifestyle even amidst the demands of surgical training.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Department of Surgery is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and trainees, recognizing the vital contributions that diverse perspectives bring to patient care and education.

In alignment with these values, the program provides Safe Zone Training to foster understanding and support for LGBTQ+ communities, ensuring that all residents are equipped to provide inclusive healthcare.

Conclusion

The General Surgery Residency Program at Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offers a comprehensive, competitive approach to surgical education that combines rigorous clinical training, extensive research opportunities, and a strong emphasis on resident wellness and diversity. It is positioned to prepare the next generation of surgical leaders ready to make significant impacts in the field.