Southern Illinois University Program

Overview

The Plastic Surgery Residency Program at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine aims to cultivate top-tier plastic surgeons by providing comprehensive education and training designed to enhance surgical skills, knowledge acquisition, and research experience. The mission encompasses a commitment to excellence, respect, and compassion while addressing the healthcare needs of under-served populations in central and southern Illinois.

Program Structure

This integrated plastic surgery residency is a six-year program that admits two residents per year. The program is structured to provide a diverse range of experiences across various aspects of plastic surgery, including both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, empowering residents to utilize surgical principles creatively and effectively.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes significant exposure to surgery in all relevant disciplines, designed to prepare graduates for both independent practice in plastic surgery and potential fellowship training in surgical subspecialties. The resident experience encompasses training in different clinical environments, increasing the breadth and depth of surgical training throughout the residency.

Rotations

During the program, residents rotate through various partnering hospitals:

• Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield, IL
• HSHS St. John's Hospital, Springfield, IL
• Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL
• Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL

In particular, PGY 4-5 residents will spend six weeks at Lurie Children’s Hospital, focusing on pediatric plastic surgery, which allows them to gain hands-on experience in procedures such as cleft lip and palate surgery and collaborating within a multidisciplinary craniofacial team.

Research Opportunities

SIU boasts a strong tradition of educational research in plastic surgery. All residents are required to engage in quality improvement research during their first two years, ensuring a commitment to both clinical practice and scientific progress. Opportunities for collaboration with other departments are readily available, enhancing the resident's research experience.

Application Process

The SIU Plastic Surgery Residency Program utilizes the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA) for admission. All applicants must submit their materials through this system:

• Applicants must have taken Step 2 prior to application.
• A secondary application is required after the primary PSCA application and all letters of recommendation have been received.
• Preference is given to applicants who are within three years of their medical school graduation.
• International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must submit an ECFMG certificate.
• At least three letters of recommendation should ideally come from surgeons, with a strong emphasis on plastic surgeons.

Only J-1 Visas will be sponsored by SIU.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The residency program is highly competitive, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the selection process. The program actively seeks to build a cohort of residents that reflects a variety of backgrounds and experiences, thereby enhancing the educational environment for all participants.

Resident Benefits

Residents at SIU are not only employed by affiliated hospitals but also enjoy numerous benefits, such as:

• Free onsite parking
• Complimentary meals during rotations
• Custom embroidered white coats
• Stipends for surgical loupes (up to $1,000)
• Family leave for qualifying events
• Funding for attending professional conferences

Additional Opportunities

For medical students interested in gaining firsthand experience in plastic surgery through an away rotation, the program offers the Tracey Meares Representation Matters Award. This award promotes equitable opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds and includes a stipend to help defray costs during a 4-week rotation.