Southern Illinois University Program

The Southern Illinois University Plastic Surgery Residency Program is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience designed to train residents to become proficient plastic surgeons. Through its comprehensive curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and a focus on compassionate care, the program is designed to produce graduates capable of practicing at the highest levels of quality and safety.

Program Overview: The mission of the program is to cultivate knowledge and surgical skills through a supportive educational environment. It emphasizes respect, excellence, and compassion, particularly in serving under-served rural populations in central and southern Illinois. The program offers a six-year integrated training format, with an emphasis on a diverse range of surgical experiences in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery across various subspecialty areas.

Curriculum: Residents undergo a rigorous curriculum that integrates all major surgical disciplines, preparing them for diverse scenarios in plastic surgery. The program encompasses significant experiences in both the operating room and clinical settings, instilling foundational surgical skills. The curriculum also includes a dedicated pediatric plastic surgery rotation at Lurie Children’s Hospital for PGY 4-5 residents, providing valuable exposure to the management of complex pediatric cases including cleft lip and palate repair and other congenital anomalies 1.

Rotations and Training Sites: The residency program includes rotations at multiple partnering hospitals: Springfield Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. John's Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital. Each site contributes to the training with diverse patient populations and varied surgical experiences, enhancing the resident's exposure and skill development as well as their ability to manage a broad spectrum of plastic surgery cases. The pediatric rotation at Lurie Children’s Hospital further enriches this depth of experience by allowing residents to be part of a multidisciplinary craniofacial team 1.

Research Opportunities: Research forms a critical component of the residency, with a strong tradition of educational research within the division of plastic surgery. Residents engage in quality improvement research during the initial years and can collaborate on outcomes and translational research projects with faculty across various departments. This fosters a culture of inquiry and academic growth, enhancing the overall educational experience 1.

Application Requirements: It is crucial for interested applicants to note the specific requirements for application. The program expects candidates to have graduated from medical school no more than three years prior to their application date. Foreign medical graduates must provide a copy of their ECFMG certificate, and Step 2 must be completed before application. At least three letters of recommendation, preferably from surgeons, are highly encouraged, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and surgical experience in the evaluation process 1.

Visa Support: The Southern Illinois University Plastic Surgery Residency Program solely accepts J-1 visas for international graduates. This provision facilitates qualified international medical graduates to participate in the program, allowing them to gain comprehensive training while adhering to the program's cultural values and educational objectives 1.

Resident Benefits: Residents in the program enjoy a wide array of benefits including free parking, access to meals at the facilities, custom embroidered white coats, and stipends for surgical loupes. They also have the opportunity to participate in family leave for qualifying events and financial support to attend professional conferences, which help in professional development 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity: The program seeks to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its recruitment process. Prospective residents should be aware that the program aims to foster a community reflective of diverse backgrounds. The selection process is known to be highly competitive, and engagement in a sub-internship may bolster an applicant's standing. Participation in this experience is strongly recommended to demonstrate genuine interest in the program 1.