Summa Health System/NEOMED Program

The Summa Health System/NEOMED Program in Surgery at Akron provides medical students with a comprehensive training experience in general surgery, aimed at cultivating skilled, compassionate, and knowledgeable surgeons. The program is structured over five years and is fully accredited by the ACGME.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the surgical residency is meticulously designed to encompass a wide range of surgical disciplines, ensuring residents gain profound knowledge and hands-on experience. Residents engage in various rotations that include General Surgery (e.g., Breast, Endocrine, and Advanced Laparoscopic), Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Trauma/Critical Care, among others. The program emphasizes progressive responsibility, allowing residents to take on more complex cases as they advance through their training.

Rotation Schedule

For example, a typical rotation for a PGY-1 resident might include six months in General Surgery, two months of Night Float, and direct exposure to Trauma Surgery and Vascular Surgery. Advanced years cover research rotations and opportunities for electives, with a focus on individual interests, particularly in preparation for fellowship placements or independent practice (1).

Unique Aspects of the Program

One distinguishing feature of the Summa Health Surgery residency is its dual exposure to both a university hospital environment and a community-based setting. This structure equips residents with a broad spectrum of experiences and case volumes that enhance their surgical proficiency. Residents benefit from working at Akron City Hospital, recognized as a level 1 trauma center, alongside opportunities to perform procedures at various facilities including specialty surgery centers and children's hospitals (2,3).

Research Opportunities

Dedicated research time is integrated into the curriculum, particularly in the second and third years of training. Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science research projects under the guidance of attending faculty. The program supports scholarly activities, with opportunities to present findings at national and local conferences, further enhancing the educational experience and fostering critical thinking skills (4).

Competitiveness and Selection

The application process is rigorous, as the program is highly competitive, particularly for international medical graduates (IMGs) who must hold a valid ECFMG certification and are exclusively considered under J-1 visa status. Applicants need to have completed both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 on their initial attempts and graduated from medical school no more than three years prior to starting the residency (5).

Stipends and Benefits

The Summa Health System provides comprehensive benefits to its residents, including competitive stipends contingent on postgraduate year level, access to health insurance, a yearly food stipend, and paid vacation time totaling three weeks annually. Additionally, residents benefit from free parking and various wellness initiatives designed to enhance work-life balance (6,7).

Teaching Faculty

The program boasts a dedicated team of faculty members who are not only experienced surgeons but also passionate educators. The robust mentorship environment fosters resident development, ensuring each individual receives guidance tailored to their personal and professional goals. Faculty often include alumni of the program, enhancing the community-oriented atmosphere of training (8).

Visa Sponsorship

The residency program provides visa sponsorship specifically for J-1 visas, which is particularly relevant for international applicants. This visa status is critical for IMGs who seek to apply for residency positions in the U.S.

Work Hours and Environment

All surgical residents engage in a well-regulated work environment, maintaining adherence to the 80-hour workweek mandated by ACGME standards. In the context of surgical practice, residents can expect rotating call schedules, with an average of 2-3 calls per month, and sufficient time for personal well-being and rest.9