Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

The Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) is structured to provide an extensive training experience in the field of vascular surgery. The program's unique integration with a five-year training model emphasizes personalized and comprehensive education geared toward developing competent vascular surgeons capable of both surgical and medical management of vascular diseases.1

Program Structure

Designed as a five-year integrated residency (0+5 pathway), the program focuses on immersing residents in vascular surgery from early stages. During the first three years, residents will devote 18 months to core surgical training and an additional 12 months to vascular-related rotations, setting the groundwork for the final two years of dedicated vascular surgery training. This progressive exposure allows trainees to develop advanced skills in a variety of surgical techniques as they move through different specialties, ranging from general surgery to trauma, and ultimately focusing on vascular-specific procedures.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is intentionally structured to encompass both foundational surgery as well as specialized vascular surgery training. A sample curriculum is as follows:

• PGY1: Vascular Surgery: 6 months, General Surgery: 2 months, Trauma Surgery: 1 month, Acute Care Surgery: 1 month, Colorectal Surgery: 1 month, Thoracic Surgery: 1 month
• PGY2: Vascular Surgery: 6 months, Thoracic Surgery: 2 months, Surgical Critical Care: 2 months, Plastic Surgery: 1 month, General Surgery: 1 month
• PGY3: Cardiac Surgery: 4 months, General/Vascular: Highland Park: 3 months, Outpatient Vascular Surgery/Vascular Lab: 2 months, Transplant Surgery: 2 months, Surgical Critical Care: 1 month
• PGY4: Vascular Surgery: 12 months
• PGY5: Vascular Surgery: 12 months

Training Environment

Training primarily occurs at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which is the flagship hospital of RWJBarnabas Health. This robust clinical environment facilitates a vast clinical volume, providing residents with extensive hands-on opportunities in both open surgical and endovascular procedures, under the direct supervision of experienced faculty members.1

Clinical Exposure

Residents will participate in diagnosing and managing a wide array of vascular conditions, which include but are not limited to carotid, aortic, renal, and venous diseases. The program emphasizes not only traditional surgical techniques but also advanced minimally invasive interventional procedures. All procedures are performed in a state-of-the-art hybrid interventional suite available at the hospital.1

Research and Educational Opportunities

The Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program encourages academic development and actively supports participation in ongoing research. Residents are integrated into a rigorous didactic curriculum which supports a strong educational foundation. Weekly conferences include morbidity and mortality reviews, journal clubs, and vascular lab conferences, alongside extensive exposure to research opportunities.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is particularly welcoming to international medical graduates (IMGs), with support provided for visa sponsorship, such as J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that qualified applicants from around the world can participate in the program. This inclusivity has contributed to its reputation as both competitive and accommodating for diverse applicant backgrounds.1

Application Process

Applicants to the Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency must apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and also through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A notable aspect is that participation in the match is highly competitive, with only one resident accepted per year. Specific requirements may include limits on the year of graduation and a finite number of attempts on the USMLE Step exams. It is essential for applicants to be proactive in familiarizing themselves with any unique application criteria.1

Final Reflections

Graduates of this residency program will emerge prepared to address complex vascular disorders competently and confidently, making them valuable assets in both academic and clinical settings. The strong pedagogical emphasis, along with a balance of clinical experience and research opportunities, prepares residents exceptionally well for a successful career in vascular surgery.1