The Tripler Army Medical Center Program in Surgery is a military medical residency program located in Honolulu, Hawaii, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program spans six years, consisting of five years of clinical training plus one dedicated research year. Residents in the program are exposed to a diverse array of surgical cases due to the program's unique positioning and military affiliations, allowing them to handle complex surgical issues that are typically not encountered in civilian programs.
The residency is a joint initiative involving Tripler Army Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente-Moanalua, making it the only Army General Surgery Program that maintains a civillian partnership. This distinct feature provides residents with a broader spectrum of surgical experiences and access to a variety of resources. The program annually admits five residents, integrating a total expected complement of 25.
Curriculum and Training Structure
The structure of the program emphasizes both clinical competence and research exposure. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive didactic activities, which include morning reports, journal club meetings, morbidity and mortality conferences, and simulation lab training sessions. The residents are required to participate in the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) annually and are expected to take the USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 during their intern year.
Throughout the program, residents engage in multiple surgical subspecialties, including but not limited to vascular surgery, plastics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery. The program does not offer elective rotations; instead, it maintains a night float system to ensure adequate rest and performance of residents across all levels. This rigorous schedule is balanced by opportunities to attend various military training courses that enhance both medical and tactical skills.
Research and Scholarly Development
The program includes a dedicated research year that occurs between the second and third years of residency. During this time, residents engage in both basic and clinical research, working closely with faculty from the Department of Clinical Investigation located on campus. Each resident is expected to publish at least one paper as a first author and present an abstract at a national meeting, fostering a culture of academic excellence and scholarly inquiry within the program.
Well-Being and Support
Recognizing the importance of mental and physical well-being, the program encourages residents to participate in wellness initiatives such as ultimate frisbee games and various resiliency activities throughout the year, including beach days and paintball outings. The program leadership emphasizes open lines of communication, creating a supportive environment where feedback is actively sought through anonymous surveys and structured meetings.
Application and Selection Process
The application process for the program is competitive and requires applicants to have completed medical school. There are no specific requirements about the year of graduation or limits on failed STEP exams noted. The selection process involves a series of interviews conducted virtually, allowing applicants from diverse backgrounds to demonstrate their interest and qualifications.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The Tripler Army Medical Center program offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible to international medical graduates (IMGs) and those from DO backgrounds. The residency actively encourages applications from a variety of educational backgrounds, including those who may not have attended traditional medical schools.
Participating Sites
The primary training sites for this residency include:
- Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Kaiser Permanente Moanalua in Honolulu, Hawaii
- The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas
- Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
- LA General Medical Center in Los Angeles, California
This diverse array of training environments allows residents to gain a comprehensive education in surgery, preparing them for both military and civilian surgical practice.
Website
Director
Suzanne M Gillern, MDProgram Director Appointed Since July 2019Coordinator
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-Location
1 Jarrett White Rd, TRIPLER AMC, HI 96859
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Tripler AMC, Hawaii
Tripler AMC is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Hawaii has lower crime rates compared to many US states, offering a safe living environment.
- Fun Activities: Enjoy beautiful beaches, hiking trails, water sports, cultural events, and delicious local cuisine.
- Climate: Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round but can also experience occasional rain showers.
- Races and Population: Diverse population with a mix of Asian, Pacific Islander, White, and Hispanic residents.
- Education: Good educational opportunities with schools and colleges, including the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
- Cost of Living: Higher cost of living compared to the mainland US, particularly in terms of housing and groceries.
- Nearby Cities: Honolulu is the biggest city nearby, approximately 15 minutes drive from Tripler AMC. It offers urban amenities, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.
- Pros: Beautiful natural surroundings, diverse culture, and a relaxed island lifestyle.
- Cons: High cost of living, possible traffic congestion, and limited access to mainland conveniences.
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