Southern Illinois University Program

General Surgery Residency at Southern Illinois University

The General Surgery Residency Program at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine aims to prepare residents for a successful career in surgery, emphasizing exemplary patient care delivered through compassionate and ethical practices. The mission of the program is supported by a vision to inspire and equip future surgeons to be global leaders in clinical practice and education.

The program maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the residency cohort. Applicants to the program must provide three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and evidence of completion of Step 2 of the USMLE prior to application. The selection process involves a holistic review based on personal attributes, experiences, competencies, and metrics including USMLE scores and interview performance. It is important to note that the program only considers applicants who have graduated from medical school within the last three years.

The General Surgery Residency Program does not offer preliminary positions or observerships and currently approves four categorical spots per year. SIU welcomes a few foreign medical graduates each year, with seven currently in the program. While the ECFMG certification is not required at the application stage, it is necessary before starting residency training. The program supports J-1 visa applications but does not sponsor H-1B visas.

Application and Interview Process

Applications for the residency program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). In-person interviews will be scheduled on specific dates, and selected candidates will be invited to dinner with current residents the evening before their interview. The interview day includes meetings with the residency program director, faculty, and current residents, providing insight into the training environment.

In preparation for interviews, candidates are encouraged to be aware of the residency's commitment to fostering a supportive and collegial atmosphere. The residency also organizes events such as tours of the J. Roland Folse Surgical Skills Center and interactions with faculty to enhance the candidate experience.

Curriculum Overview

SIU's General Surgery Residency is a comprehensive five-year educational program covering all major surgical disciplines. The curriculum includes a robust skills development component that utilizes an internationally recognized simulation laboratory for hands-on training. Core surgical skills are taught to defined proficiency levels before residents engage in direct patient care.

The training encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures, including trauma care, transplant surgery, pediatric surgery, and minimally invasive techniques. Regular conferences, journal clubs, and other educational activities are integral to the residency experience, fostering continuous learning and interaction between residents and faculty.

Clinical Training Sites

The primary training sites for the SIU General Surgery Residency program include two teaching hospitals located within a few blocks of each other: Springfield Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. John’s Hospital. These facilities serve broad geographic areas, thus offering a diverse patient population and a wide array of clinical cases.

The residency also features a unique rural surgery rotation in partnership with Southern Illinois Healthcare. This elective provides third and fourth-year residents with substantial procedural experience while working alongside surgeons in smaller community hospitals.

Resident Benefits

Residents enjoy several benefits, including up to three weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and additional time off for educational pursuits and bereavement leave. Duty hours are structured to optimize patient care compliance with ACGME requirements. Residents benefit from free parking, secured sleeping quarters and access to food services at all times.

Insurance options include health, dental, life, and disability coverage. Additionally, residents are provided with professional liability protection through their employing hospitals, safeguarding them against claims arising from their clinical duties during training.

Research Opportunities

The SIU General Surgery Residency has a strong emphasis on research and educational scholarship. All residents are required to engage in quality improvement research during the first two years of residency. Collaborative opportunities exist involving translational research with various scientific departments within the School of Medicine, enhancing the resident's academic experience.

Past residents have successfully participated in numerous research projects that aim to improve surgical outcomes and patient care protocols, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering a mindset of inquiry and innovation.