Samaritan Health Services - Corvallis Program

The General Surgery Resident Program at Samaritan Health Services is situated at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon, and is aligned with the Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine Pacific-Northwest. This program is particularly notable due to the hospital's designation as a Level-II Trauma Center, which houses a robotic-assisted surgery center, a heart and vascular institute, a collaborative cancer center in partnership with Stanford University, and an accredited weight management and metabolic surgery institute. Residents are trained across a broad spectrum of surgery specialties including general surgery, gastroenterology, emergency medicine, anesthesia, plastic surgery, trauma and acute care, bariatrics, vascular, hepatobiliary, transplant, burn, and pediatric surgery 1.

To enhance their clinical experience, residents also rotate through prominent facilities such as Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland. The program supports special-interest and research electives, allowing residents to pursue individual areas of interest during their training 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program offers a structured curriculum that incorporates extensive hands-on experiences and didactics. The residents undergo a comprehensive rotation schedule throughout the five years of training:

• PGY 1: Rotations include general surgery, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, emergency medicine, and anesthesia.
• PGY 2: Focuses on surgical ICU, trauma, acute care, burn, vascular, bariatric, and breast surgery.
• PGY 3: Involves advanced rotations in trauma, vascular, cardiothoracic, pediatric, bariatric, and hepatobiliary surgery, alongside research activities.
• PGY 4: Continues with general surgery, trauma, vascular, bariatric, and transplant rotations complemented by elective opportunities.
• PGY 5: Culminates with rotations in general surgery focusing on complex cases like trauma and vascular issues.

In addition, residents gain experience at several outside rotations, including general surgery at Samaritan Albany General Hospital, endoscopy at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, and pediatric, trauma, and burn rotations at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and OHSU.

Research and Educational Commitment

The program assumes a strong commitment to scholarly activity, requiring residents to complete a yearly project that culminates in a presentation during the designated Research Day. This focus on research is integral to the training, ensuring residents engage with the latest advancements in the field of surgery 1.

Application Process

Those interested in applying to the General Surgery Resident Program must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must be either U.S. citizens or permanent green card holders. The program does not provide visa sponsorship 4. Qualified candidates should have graduated from an LCME-accredited medical school or an accredited osteopathic institution, or hold an appropriate certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Interviews are conducted based on the initial screening process, emphasizing academic performance and personal qualifications. The program is committed to diversity and inclusivity, assessing candidates regardless of personal identifiers such as sex, ethnicity, or age 4.

Resident Life and Benefits

Residents have expressed that the smaller size of the program fosters a tight-knit environment, making collaborative learning and support a cornerstone of training. This attrition-friendly aspect allows residents to thrive while ensuring accountability and mentorship 1. The program encourages an active lifestyle, with the surrounding Willamette Valley offering numerous outdoor activities, excellent dining options, and a vibrant local community enriched by cultural events, notably college sports.

This immersive experience in both medical and personal aspects makes the General Surgery Resident Program at Samaritan Health Services a unique opportunity for aspiring surgical physicians seeking a comprehensive, supportive training environment.