Temple University Hospital Program

The Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program at Temple University Hospital offers a robust three-year, ACGME-accredited independent fellowship in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. This program is distinctive in its comprehensive approach, providing fellows with extensive clinical experience and the necessary knowledge for diverse practice environments after graduation. At Temple, fellows are immersed in various essential areas such as breast surgery, body contouring, oncologic reconstruction, microsurgery, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, aesthetic surgery, and abdominal wall reconstruction.

Among the notable features of the program are its dedicated faculty, which includes four fellowship-trained core faculty members as well as additional adjunct faculty across various rotation sites who are experts in aesthetic surgery and private practice. This structure ensures fellows have access to extensive educational resources and clinical expertise. The fellowship also promises exposure to a diverse patient population, including specialized cases from the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Clinical Training

Fellows in the Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program rotate every two months among key training sites: Temple University Hospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center, St. Luke’s University Hospital, Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health, the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, and Geisinger Medical Center. This diverse exposure to both urban and rural clinical environments allows fellows to experience a broad array of surgical techniques and procedures, emphasizing adaptability and critical thinking.

Autonomy is a significant part of the training, with fellows taking responsibility for running their services independently, gradually increasing their level of responsibility throughout the fellowship. The call schedule typically averages one weekend and seven weekday calls each month, offering ample hands-on clinical exposure.

Procedures and Techniques

Throughout the fellowship, trainees engage in a comprehensive spectrum of procedures which includes but is not limited to:

• Body contouring
• Hand surgery
• Facial reconstruction
• Breast reconstruction
• Limb salvage
• Head and neck reconstruction
• Abdominal wall reconstruction
• Gender confirmation
• Orthognathic surgery
• Secondary burn reconstruction
• Aesthetic procedures, such as rhytidectomy.

Fellows also collaborate with specialized teams within the institution, enhancing interdisciplinary learning and comprehensive patient care.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The institution encourages scholarly pursuits, allowing fellows to initiate research projects collaboratively with faculty members, residents, and medical students. Monthly research meetings facilitate project discussions and foster an environment of inquiry. A protected weekly two-hour didactic conference is also provided for structured exam reviews and oral board preparation, ensuring comprehensive educational support for fellows.

Faculty and Educational Environment

The Plastic Surgery faculty at Temple are not only skilled clinicians but also dedicated educators committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere. The program emphasizes collegiality, which underpins the academic growth of fellows and encourages participation in various educational opportunities, including local and national conferences.

Application Process

A total of two positions are available annually in the fellowship program. Candidates must apply through the San Francisco Match Services, with interviews conducted in January and February. The application process emphasizes a rigorous review to identify promising candidates, contributing to the highly competitive nature of the program.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is amenable to sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visas for international applicants, further expanding opportunities for diverse candidates. It is considered to be competitive, welcoming applications from both DO and MD graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs), indicating a commitment to inclusive recruitment practices.

Special Application Requirements

Specific application criteria may include limits on year of graduation and the number of failed STEP examinations; however, precise details should be verified during the application process.