St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital/NEOMED Program

Program Overview

The General Surgery Residency at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a comprehensive surgical training program that has been successfully training residents for over 100 years. The program focuses on equipping residents with essential skills in basic sciences, technical abilities, and evidence-based clinical practices. Its objective is to prepare residents not only to perform independently but also to excel in competitive fellowship opportunities.

U.S. News & World Report recognized St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital among the "High Performing" hospitals for its dedication to patient care and surgical excellence. A testament to the effectiveness of the training is the program's achievement of a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the American Board of Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Examinations over the past three years.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the General Surgery Residency is structured and predominantly based at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, with various rotations that cover a wide range of surgical disciplines. In addition to core general surgery training, residents gain exposure to various surgical specialties through partnerships with affiliated hospitals, which include St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, St. Joseph Warren Hospital, and Akron Children’s Hospital.

Key features of the curriculum include:

• Clinical rotations with both inpatient and outpatient experiences.
• Structured didactic sessions protected from clinical responsibilities, ensuring residents engage fully in this essential learning time.
• Access to a Skills and Simulation Lab equipped with advanced robotic surgery trainers and virtual reality endoscopic training equipment, enabling residents to practice and refine their skills.

Research Opportunities

Residents are required to complete at least one project of publishable quality prior to graduation. While research time is not mandated, dedicated research coordinators are available to provide assistance. Residents often present their findings at regional and national conferences. There are also opportunities for residents to engage in diverse research initiatives, particularly with the trauma department that has a structured team to support research implementation and publication.

Support and Faculty Mentorship

The program prides itself on offering strong mentorship and support from a diverse faculty. Faculty members are actively practicing clinicians who prioritize teaching and mentoring residents. Each residency class is assigned a faculty counselor who provides guidance related to clinical and academic performance, work-life balance, and career aspirations. This structure promotes an environment of camaraderie and professional development.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a valid medical degree from a recognized institution and must have passed both USMLE or COMLEX steps I and II before being considered for interviews. The program supports J-1 and limited H-1B visa applications, making it suitable for international medical graduates who need visa sponsorship.

Additional eligibility criteria include:

• Recent graduates from medical school (within the last five years).
• Completion of a personal interview via Zoom for shortlisted candidates.
• Submissions must include a personal statement, reference letters, and a Dean’s letter.

Resident Compensation and Benefits

The financial package for residents includes a competitive salary structure, starting from $63,400 for a PGY-1 resident and reaching $74,200 by PGY-5. Residents also receive comprehensive health insurance coverage along with professional liability insurance. Additional benefits include:

• Paid time off with a total of 15 to 18 days depending on the year.
• A food allowance of $250 monthly for cafeteria meals.
• A moving allowance capped at $1,000.
• Free parking and access to fitness facilities.

Community and Lifestyle

Located in northeastern Ohio, Youngstown provides a vibrant community for residents. The city is nestled halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, offering access to a variety of recreational and cultural activities. Youngstown is known for its array of parks, museums, live performances, and recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and festivals.