TriHealth (Good Samaritan Hospital) Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at TriHealth, specifically at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, offers a comprehensive five-year training experience for candidates that are well-qualified and highly motivated to pursue careers in either clinical or academic surgery. This program is designed to equip residents with exceptional skills in handling a broad range of surgical procedures and patient care challenges. The curriculum emphasizes large operative volumes across a wide spectrum of surgical specialties, including general surgery, surgical oncology, hepato-biliary surgery, minimally invasive surgery, colo-rectal surgery, bariatric surgery, and vascular and endovascular surgery 1.

The training environment is enhanced by the proximity of accredited institutions such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, renowned for its pediatric care, and the University Hospital, a designated level 1 trauma center. These affiliations allow for outside rotations, providing residents with exposure to trauma management and specialized cases not commonly managed exclusively at Good Samaritan Hospital. As a result, residents cultivate advanced skills in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing complex surgical cases 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The General Surgery Residency includes a structured curriculum that fosters a progressive increase in responsibility for the residents. Rotations are meticulously designed to provide comprehensive training across various subspecialties:

• Minimally Invasive / Bariatric Surgery: Residents gain prolific experience in laparoscopic procedures and advance their surgical techniques in managing obesity.
• Colon and Rectal Surgery: In this rotation, residents are exposed to both surgical and conservative management of colorectal diseases.
• Endocrine and Surgical Oncology: Residents address oncological cases, acquiring skills for advanced management.
• Vascular Surgery: Comprehensive exposure to vascular surgical interventions is provided, with residents managing a variety of vascular conditions.
• Emergency Surgical Service: A night float system allows residents to gain significant experience in acute surgical management.

Additionally, outside rotations include trauma surgery at University Hospital, burn surgery at Shriner's Hospital for Children, and pediatric surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center 2 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital element of the program, with dedicated labs and full-time research staff available to assist residents in conducting projects that align with their interests. The E. Kenneth Hatton MD Institute for Research and Education provides resources for residents to engage in meaningful educational activities, encouraging a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice 1 4.

Conferences and Didactic Learning

Residents participate in various conferences aimed at honing their surgical acumen. Regularly scheduled events include weekly Grand Rounds featuring renowned speakers, as well as interdisciplinary Tumor Board meetings that focus on collaborative decision-making in oncology. Residents also engage in journal clubs to discuss recent literature and its implications on practice 3 5.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is accessible and supports foreign medical graduates, primarily sponsoring J1 visas. Candidates are expected to possess a minimum of three months of US clinical experience, excluding observerships, and should have graduated medical school within the past year 2.

In terms of competitiveness, the TriHealth General Surgery Residency is regarded as highly competitive. The program attracts a diverse array of applicants, including those from DO backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Qualified applicants are typically expected to have a passed USMLE Step 1 on the first attempt 4.

Salaries, Benefits, and Well-Being

Residents at TriHealth enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, and a professional liability coverage tailored to residency positional requirements. A distinct feature includes a yearly allowance for educational and professional development, as well as support for attendance at conferences where residents can present their research. Fitness and wellness programs, including gym membership discounts and wellness initiatives, are further resources available to maintain residents' well-being 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A hallmark of the TriHealth General Surgery Residency is its commitment to fostering a supportive and collegial culture among residents and faculty. This program emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively seeking a varied resident body to enhance the learning environment. The camaraderie cultivated within this training setting is noted as one of its most valuable aspects, promoting a family-like atmosphere among surgical trainees 1 6.