Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offers an independent Thoracic Surgery Residency program in New Brunswick, aiming to produce skilled surgeons proficient in various thoracic surgical procedures. The program is structured to provide an extensive educational experience that includes a comprehensive curriculum, dedicated mentorship, and ample hands-on experience at top-tier clinical sites.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the thoracic surgery residency is designed to develop competencies in both the clinical and surgical aspects of thoracic surgery. Residents typically rotate through various subspecialty services, including general thoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, and pediatric cardiac surgery, ensuring well-rounded training. The curriculum emphasizes scholarly activities and research experiences.

Each resident is engaged in both surgical management and outpatient clinic responsibilities, allowing them to manage preoperative evaluations, surgical procedures, and postoperative care. Senior residents take on supervisory roles to enhance leadership skills and teaching capabilities.

Rotations and Clinical Training

Residents train in multiple prestigious institutions, including the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where they experience a wide variety of thoracic and cardiac cases. Other essential training sites include:

• Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital: Pediatric thoracic surgery training.
• St. Peter's University Hospital: Community surgical experience.
• Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center: Elective and emergency general surgery training.
• Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey: Oncology-focused rotations addressing thoracic malignancies.

Residents experience an array of surgical procedures ranging from minimally invasive techniques to complex reconstructions, ensuring they are equipped to handle a robust caseload by the completion of their training.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages participation in research, allowing residents a dedicated year for basic science or clinical research that complements their surgical training. This research year can help residents focus on specific interests, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness for future fellowship opportunities. Residents also present their findings at national and international conferences, providing visibility in the surgical community.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School emphasizes resident wellness, implementing initiatives such as Wellness Wednesdays, which allow residents to focus on personal health and well-being amidst the rigorous demands of surgical training. This program creates a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and mentorship.

Diversity and inclusion are core tenets of the residency program, with dedicated efforts to ensure that trainees from varied backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. Safe Zone training is offered to promote understanding and inclusivity, specifically toward LGBTQ+ communities.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The program accepts international medical graduates (IMG) and provides visa sponsorship for appropriate visa types, though applicants must hold valid visas prior to application; this is due to increasing difficulties related to visa issues. The residency is regarded as competitive, attracting a diverse array of applicants, including those with DO backgrounds.

There are specific application requirements, including the necessity for three to four letters of recommendation. The program favors candidates who have not exceeded a maximum of two attempt failures on any Step exam, ensuring a focus on applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to rigorous training and academic excellence.

Additional Features

Residents benefit from extensive didactic training, incorporating simulation-based learning modules to practice laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques, along with exposure to robotics training. Regular evaluations and feedback mechanisms ensure that residents are consistently improving and honing their skills throughout their training. The program's robust educational framework and comprehensive exposure prepare residents for eventual independent practice and fellowship opportunities in their desired fields.