University at Buffalo School of Medicine Program

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.