University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham) Program

Plastic Surgery Residency Program

The University of Alabama Medical Center offers a comprehensive residency program in Plastic Surgery, which is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The program is designed to train two residents per year over a span of three years, providing them with the skills necessary to achieve certification and succeed in either private practice or academic clinical environments.

Training Experience

UAB is distinguished as the largest academic medical center in Alabama, which translates into a high volume and diverse case exposure for its residents. The residency allows the integration of various specialties, particularly in tackling complex clinical issues, including burn and congenital deformities, along with reconstructive efforts for post-bariatric cases. Residents benefit from the resources of UAB Hospital, which accommodates 1,157 beds and is recognized as the third largest public hospital in the United States.

The hospital performs over 33,000 surgical procedures each year and is designated as the state's only Level 1 Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. This level of exposure is critical for the residents as they gain hands-on experience in managing intricate cases alongside experienced faculty.

Rotations and Facilities

Residents partake in rotations in various facilities within the downtown Birmingham medical district, including:

• UAB Hospital: Offers a comprehensive platform for diverse surgical cases, including trauma-related injuries.
• UAB Hospital-Highlands: This general acute care facility provides experience mainly in aesthetic and elective body contouring surgery.
• Birmingham VA Medical Center: Residents engage in general reconstructive procedures and management of skin malignancies, collaborating with the head and neck service.
• Children’s of Alabama: Known for pediatric care, the facility provides opportunities to address congenital defects and perform significant reconstructive surgeries, including approximately 50 cleft lip and palate operations annually.

Research Opportunities

The Division of Plastic Surgery is heavily invested in research initiatives that support both academic growth and practical application. Key research areas include:

• Anatomical studies involving fresh and fixed cadavers to enhance surgical techniques and discover innovative flaps.
• Basic research focusing on wound healing processes, particularly the implications of muscle use in wound infection prevention.
• Access to specialized laboratories, such as the Microvascular Laboratory, allows further engagement in research projects.

Call Schedule and Compliance

The residency program embraces a structured call schedule primarily consisting of home calls. UAB plastic surgeons manage face trauma calls during the initial week of each month, while hand trauma calls are addressed by the division for the remainder of the month. The residency adheres strictly to ACGME work hour regulations, ensuring a balanced workload.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Plastic Surgery Residency at UAB, the minimum requirement is the completion of a three-year general surgery residency. However, a majority of the applicants who secure positions have completed their entire general surgery training prior to application. This competitive edge demonstrates the program's rigorous standards and expectations from incoming residents.

Visa Support

The program is open to international medical graduates and provides visa sponsorship, including H-1B and J-1 visa types, facilitating the acceptance of a diverse pool of candidates.

Competitiveness

The UAB Plastic Surgery Residency Program is recognized as highly competitive. It is open to both D.O. and IMG candidates, thus promoting inclusivity among diverse graduates aspiring to practice in this specialty.