UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
SurgeryACGME Code:
4402421139NRMP Program Code:
3050440C0, 3050440P0The UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester offers a comprehensive and robust Surgery residency program, designed to prepare residents for a variety of surgical careers through an integrated approach to education and clinical experience. The Department of Surgery emphasizes not only advanced surgical techniques and care but also aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators in surgery.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The residency program incorporates rotations across multiple services, including general surgery, vascular surgery, trauma surgery, pediatric surgery, and others. These rotations are performed at UMass Memorial Medical Center's three campuses: University, Memorial, and Hahnemann hospitals, alongside several affiliated institutions, ensuring a wide-ranging clinical exposure for the residents to diverse patient populations and cases.1
Clinical Rotations
Residents in the program will experience a rigorous clinical schedule that includes both core and elective rotations. This structure is aimed at ensuring that every resident develops a broad skill set, with opportunities for specialized training in areas of individual interest. Each rotation is designed to enhance surgical skills and clinical judgment while fostering teamwork and collaboration among the surgical team members.
Research Opportunities
The program highly encourages residents to engage in research activities, with a strong emphasis on educating future surgeons about the importance of evidence-based surgery. Residents are supported in conducting clinical trials, publishing papers, and presenting findings at national conferences, allowing them to contribute actively to the advancement of surgical science.2
Unique Aspects of the Program
UMass Chan’s Surgery program places a significant emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Integral initiatives, such as the DEI Summer Surgical Internship, aim to promote a diverse surgical workforce that reflects the community served. The program is keen on mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine, enhancing the strive for diversification within the surgical field.3
Mentorship and Support
In addition to formal training, mentorship plays a crucial role in the development of residents. Each resident is paired with a faculty mentor, who provides guidance throughout the residency program. This relationship ensures personalized education and support, aligned with the residents' career aspirations and professional growth.
Visa Sponsorship
The UMass Chan Surgery residency program is known for its inclusiveness, offering visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates (IMGs). The program typically sponsors J-1 exchange visitor visas, accommodating qualified applicants seeking to further their surgical education in the United States.4
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
The program is recognized as competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. Certain criteria are significant for potential applicants. These may include limitations on the number of attempts to pass the USMLE Step exams and specific requirements regarding the year of graduation for medical school.5
Successful Application Attributes
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background, clinical experience, and a commitment to the field of surgery. The program is particularly friendly to applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, thus encouraging a wide range of applicants.
Training Sites
Residents will train at the UMass Memorial Medical Center, which provides access to advanced surgical facilities and a large patient population, allowing for exposure to complex surgical cases. The center leverages state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques in patient care and surgical procedures.6
Community Engagement
The program also emphasizes community service and outreach, reinforcing the importance of serving the local population's healthcare needs. Regular participation in community health initiatives, screenings, and educational programs is encouraged among residents, augmenting their comprehensive surgical training.7
Website
Director
Jennifer LaFemina, MDAssociate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology; Section Chief, Breast and Cutaneous Malignancies Appointed Since September 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,940First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
15 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
65%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
230Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
2Match History
3050440C0
2024
8 of 82023
8 of 82022
8 of 82021
8 of 82020
8 of 83050440P0
2024
4 of 42023
4 of 42022
4 of 42021
4 of 42020
4 of 4Location
Worcester, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
Crime Rate and Safety:
Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.
Fun Activities:
Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
Climate:
Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
Races and Population:
Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Education:
Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.
Proximity to Bigger Cities:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.
Pros and Cons:
One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.
Interview Questions
