Stony Brook Medicine Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at Stony Brook Medicine is an ACGME-accredited one-year training initiative designed to prepare surgeons for academic careers in colon and rectal surgery as well as for private practices. This intensive program equips residents with the skills necessary to handle all aspects of clinical colon and rectal surgery, ultimately making them eligible for board certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Residents undergo comprehensive training by participating in a substantial volume of diverse surgical procedures, including reconstructive anorectal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease management, colorectal cancer surgeries, emergency colon resections, and various office-based as well as endoscopic procedures. A significant emphasis is placed on minimally invasive techniques, including robotics. Additionally, residents gain proficiency in anorectal physiology studies and sacral neuromodulation. Most training occurs at Stony Brook University Hospital, with no off-site rotations, although ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient offices are utilized.

Educational Experience

The educational structure of the program is thoroughly aligned with the requirements set by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Residents partake in a comprehensive formal teaching and lecture program which encompasses several conferences, including the weekly morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference, grand rounds with the Department of Surgery, the fellow's weekly core curriculum, treatment planning conferences, tumor board meetings, gastroenterology conferences, and other case presentations. The weekly Core Curriculum conference includes the CREST curriculum from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) alongside standard textbooks and resources. Collaboration with the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology allows for comprehensive patient care for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The state-of-the-art Surgical Skills Center at Stony Brook facilitates training through simulation for laparoscopic, robotic surgery, and endoscopy.

Research Opportunities

Residents are strongly encouraged to engage in clinical research throughout their training. Participation in research projects is expected, along with the submission of abstracts to various meetings, including the ASCRS annual meeting and local/regional conferences. Residents are involved in ongoing research approved by Stony Brook's Institutional Review Board, with substantial reading and research time allocated. A well-equipped medical library and extensive electronic access further support their research endeavors. Faculty members are recognized leaders in colon and rectal surgery, contributing significantly to the surgical literature.

Life at Stony Brook

Residents are required to be on call for two weekends per month, without in-house obligations, with senior surgical residents present in the hospital. The program provides one month of vacation annually, in line with the accreditation requirements. Residents receive a salary set at PGY-6 levels ($88,189), although housing is not provided. Additionally, the resident is sponsored to attend the national meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, along with opportunities to partake in other specialty training courses throughout the year, including a robotic training course.

Application Process

Applications to the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must be board eligible or certified in general surgery and successfully complete the United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE) Step 3 or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX) Step 3 by the second attempt. A personal interview is mandatory, and candidates are required to submit three letters of recommendation, one of which needs to come from their general surgery residency program director. The standardized letter format must be adhered to, and ABSITE scores are also a requirement.

Visa Support

The program is committed to supporting international medical graduates and does provide visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. The ability to accommodate international residents underscores the program's inclusivity in the selection of candidates, making it friendly for both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs).

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is known to be competitive, particularly favoring those who excel academically and possess strong recommendations. Specific requirements are prescriptive, requiring applicants to adhere strictly to the licensing examination timelines and certification criteria as outlined. Prospective residents should keep in mind that all application processes are rigorously managed to ensure a high standard of incoming candidates.