The Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program at St. Joseph's University Medical Center offers a comprehensive and rigorous training experience. This ACGME-accredited program is structured as a three-year Independent Plastic Surgery residency. It aims to cultivate skilled, confident, and ethical plastic surgeons who are well-prepared for board certification and independent practice.
St. Joseph's University Medical Center, located in Paterson, NJ, serves as an academic tertiary care center and state-designated trauma center. This environment provides residents with a diverse array of clinical experiences across multiple specialties, including behavioral health, emergency/trauma, and pediatrics, among others. Notably, the program also benefits from affiliations with additional facilities, allowing for varied exposure to plastic surgery cases at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center and urgent care centers within the region 1.
Curriculum
The educational curriculum is designed to provide residents with a well-rounded training in all facets of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This includes exposure to reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery, pediatric aesthetic surgery, dermatology, laser surgery, and burn care. The program integrates a mix of didactic teaching, hands-on clinical practice, and education conferences to enhance learning outcomes. Weekly lectures supplement the PSEN Residency curriculum, ensuring residents are well-prepared for examinations and clinical practice 2.
Rotation and Training Sites
Residents are immersed in a high-acuity patient environment, which prepares them for the demands of independent practice. The residency spans four primary sites with elements emphasizing aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Each clinical rotation includes clearly defined goals and objectives, with feedback provided through online evaluations. Residents can expect to achieve significant operative skill development by working across diverse patient cases 3.
Research Opportunities
Research involvement is a critical component of the residency program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, and residents are required to complete at least one research project annually. This fosters a culture of inquiry and promotes academic scholarship within the field of plastic surgery 6.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program maintains a competitive selection process, generally accepting one applicant per year through the San Francisco Match system. Applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of five years of residency training and must be eligible for licensure in New Jersey. Importantly, candidates must have passed Step 3 of the USMLE to be considered for ranking 7.
Salary and Benefits
Residents benefit from competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. For instance, PGY-6 residents earn approximately $74,978, with incremental increases for subsequent years. Additional offerings include four weeks of vacation, paid sick leave, maternity/family leave, health and dental coverage, and professional liability insurance 1.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship to accommodate international medical graduates. Typically, the program can sponsor J-1 visas, which are common for foreign trainees participating in U.S. residency programs.
Unique Aspects
One unique aspect of this residency is its focus on integrated multidisciplinary care. Residents work closely with other surgical specialties, enhancing collaborative skills that are essential in real-world practice. St. Joseph's University Medical Center stands out as one of the five Regional Cleft/Lip Craniofacial Centers in New Jersey, further enriching the learning environment for residents 1.
Supportive Environment
The residency program emphasizes a supportive and balanced work environment, prioritizing adequate sleep and emotional well-being. Work hour regulations are enforced, and residents have access to resources to help manage stress and maintain their mental health, ultimately fostering a culture of excellence in both patient care and resident education 1.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$74,978First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Paterson, NJ
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Paterson, NJ
- Crime Rate and Safety: Paterson has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, especially in certain areas. It's essential to be mindful of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
- Fun Activities: Paterson offers various cultural attractions, parks, and restaurants to explore. The Great Falls National Historical Park is a notable local landmark.
- Climate: Paterson experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow during winter months.
- Races and Population: Paterson is a diverse city with a significant Hispanic and African American population, contributing to its vibrant community.
- Education: The city has multiple schools and colleges providing educational opportunities. It's home to Passaic County Community College.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Paterson is above the national average, especially housing costs. Consider budgeting accordingly.
- Nearby Cities: New York City is approximately 20 miles away from Paterson, but due to traffic, the drive can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the time of day. New York City offers a plethora of entertainment, dining, and career opportunities.
- Pros: Diverse community, cultural attractions, proximity to New York City.
- Cons: Higher crime rate, elevated cost of living.
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