St Joseph's University Medical Center Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center offers an immersive and comprehensive training experience aimed at producing self-sufficient and highly skilled surgeons. The program is ACGME accredited, having transitioned from an initial AOA accreditation in 2009 to ACGME status in 2017, with continued accreditation received in 2019. Participants are required to match through the NRMP.

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center is not only a self-sponsored program, but it is also recognized as a Level 2 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons. This facility is equipped to handle critical injuries and provides around-the-clock care through its Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, which is staffed by specialized clinicians. Annually, over 1,000 trauma patients are treated, with the center recording more than 160,000 emergency department visits last year. This high volume offers residents exposure to a diverse socio-economic and cultural patient population, enhancing clinical learning opportunities.

The core curriculum of the residency program spans five years, with the central three years dedicated to general and subspecialty surgery, while the chief year focuses on consolidating general surgery skills. The curriculum encompasses exposure to various surgical disciplines, including trauma, surgical critical care, colorectal, endocrine, vascular, and minimally invasive surgeries. It is structured to cultivate critical thinking, technical skills, and the management of surgical patients, emphasizing both operative and non-operative care.

The program offers a unique simulation lab, which aids in the development of surgical skills through hands-on practice. Additionally, the curriculum includes a robust academic framework incorporating didactics, morbidity and mortality conferences, and case presentations designed to reinforce clinical knowledge and practical skills.

Training Sites

The primary training site is St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, with a rotation available at St. Joseph’s in Wayne for PGY 1, 2, and 3 residents. PGY 3 residents also rotate at University Hospital NJMS in Newark, where opportunities for transplant surgery are provided. This diversity in training sites enhances the breadth of clinical experiences offered to residents.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The program encourages resident participation in scholarly activities and research, with access to an expansive database for surgical and trauma research. Residents are expected to engage in clinical research projects throughout their residency, with faculty support guiding them in navigating research initiatives.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the General Surgery Residency must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Essential application components include a completed application, a medical school transcript, three letters of recommendation (including at least one from surgery faculty), and board scores. Interviews are conducted via Zoom. The program particularly values applicants who display a strong commitment to surgery and are proficient in both clinical and research settings.

Residency Competitiveness

The surgical residency at St. Joseph's University Medical Center is considered competitive. The program is friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, supporting a diverse group of residents from various backgrounds and training programs.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J1 and H1B visas for international medical graduates seeking to train in the United States. This support is crucial for many international candidates who wish to pursue residency training in the U.S.

Benefits

The residency provides competitive compensation, starting with an annual salary of $58,349 in the first year and increasing annually. Other benefits include four weeks of vacation, paid sick leave, health, dental, and prescription plan coverage, professional liability insurance, and a yearly educational allowance. Residents also receive meal allowances and reimbursement for essential courses such as BLS, ACLS, and ATLS.

Educational Environment

The program places a strong emphasis on not just surgical skills but also the importance of clinical judgment and understanding the scientific principles of surgery. This comprehensive educational approach aims to produce surgeons who are both technically proficient and capable of offering compassionate patient care.