Residency Advisor

University at Buffalo School of Medicine Program

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Buffalo, NY

Specialty:

Plastic surgery

ACGME Code:

3603500001
J1

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.

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Director

Name
Mark S Burke, MD
Position
Program Director
Appointed Since
  (Since January 2025)

Coordinator

Name
Mrs. Melissa Beckman
Position
Program Coordinator
Email
mbeckman@buffalo.edu
Name
Katie Petrell
Position
Program Coordinator
Email
katiepet@buffalo.edu

Program

Program Size

1, 1, 1 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Initial Accreditation since January 2023

Composition

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Training

Fellowship Rate:
-
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
-
Residents Career Path
-

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

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First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

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First Year Salary:

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First Year Paid Vacation:

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First Year Paid Sick Leave:

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Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score:
-
Visa Sponsorship:
J1
YOG Cutoff:
-

2025 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights

No 2025 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.

USMLE STEP 2 CK Score

No data available for USMLE STEP 2 CK Score

No data available for USMLE STEP 2 CK Score

COMLEX Level 2 Score

No data available for COMLEX Level 2 Score

No data available for COMLEX Level 2 Score

Location

Buffalo, NY

Population
278,349
Income
$46,458
Education
31.2%
Employment
55.8%
Health
3.9%
Age
34
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

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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.

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