The Independent Plastic Surgery Residency at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo is an ACGME-accredited program that prepares residents to practice as independent surgeons in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. The curriculum is designed to ensure a high-quality educational experience through a combination of hands-on training, mentorship, and comprehensive didactic sessions across multiple affiliated institutions.
Program Goals
The program's mission is to foster scholarship, education, experience, and mentorship, allowing residents to grow into responsible, competitive plastic surgeons. Trainees are expected to meet milestones defined by the ACGME while honing their technical and professional skills in diverse patient care settings.Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed a prior ACGME-accredited residency program in one of the following specialties: general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, ENT, neurosurgery, or urology. The program offers a detailed application process through the SF Match, which includes several essential documents such as a personal statement, medical school transcripts, USMLE/COMLEX transcripts, a confirmation letter from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, physician information profiles, and three letters of recommendation. A specific recommendation form for plastic surgery must be utilized for these letters.Curriculum and Rotations
The residency encompasses a comprehensive curriculum aimed at developing surgical proficiency and patient care skills. Residents participate in a variety of rotations focusing on different aspects of plastic surgery, including major reconstructive surgeries, head and neck cancer reconstructions, microsurgical free flap techniques, lymphedema surgery, and aesthetic procedures. This ensures a broad exposure to all facets of plastic and reconstructive surgery along with opportunities for collaboration with various specialties.Research and Unique Aspects
The program emphasizes academic growth through research opportunities and scholarly activities. Residents are encouraged to engage in investigations and presentations at major surgical conferences, which facilitates professional development and enhances their resumes. The focus on collaboration with other institutions also enhances the learning experience by providing access to a larger patient population and advanced surgical cases.Training Sites
Erie County Medical Center serves as the primary teaching site for the plastic surgery residency. This facility is well-equipped and offers a wide range of surgical services, while residents also rotate at other affiliated hospitals to broaden their experience and exposure.Visa Support
The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, providing the necessary support for those seeking residency opportunities in the USA.Competitiveness
The plastic surgery residency program is known for its competitive nature, attracting a diverse group of applicants including those from US and international medical schools. While the program strongly favors US graduates, it remains accessible and friendly to DO and international medical graduates (IMGs), provided they meet specific eligibility requirements and have a solid academic background.Application Special Requirements
Applicants must generally graduate from medical school within the last five years and demonstrate competitive scores on the USMLE. The program has clear standards regarding the number of US clinical experience (USCE) hours preferred and imposes a cut-off for Step exam failures to maintain high academic standards.Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
1, 1, 1 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Initial Accreditation since January 2023
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
65hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$68,192First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Buffalo, NY
Population
278,349
Income
$46,458
Education
31.2%
Employment
55.8%
Health
3.9%
Age
34
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Buffalo, NY
- Crime Rate and Safety: Buffalo has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, but certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's advisable to research specific areas before choosing a place to live.
- Fun Activities: Buffalo offers a wide range of entertainment options including world-class dining, cultural events, sports games, and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains.
- Climate: Buffalo experiences all four seasons with cold and snowy winters, pleasant summers, and beautiful fall foliage.
- Races and Population: Buffalo is a diverse city with a mix of cultures and ethnicities contributing to its vibrant community.
- Education: Buffalo is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for educational advancement and cultural enrichment.
- Cost of Living: Buffalo has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the Northeast.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Buffalo is approximately a 6-hour drive from New York City and a 4-hour drive from Toronto, Canada, providing easy access to these major urban centers.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural scene, proximity to major cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate in some areas, harsh winters.
Interview Questions
