University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham) Program

The Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham is a six-year program designed for medical students who are interested in specializing in plastic surgery. This program is competitive and highly sought after, with residency spots considered among the most coveted in the field. Residents are selected through the traditional Match process, which favors applicants with exemplary qualifications and training backgrounds.

Integrated residents will gain hands-on experience through rotations at several esteemed facilities, including UAB Hospital, UAB Hospital-Highlands, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Callahan, and Children's of Alabama. These diverse training sites provide residents with exposure to a broad spectrum of surgical disciplines.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum encompasses an array of essential disciplines within plastic surgery. Residents will engage in rotations that cover:

• General reconstructive surgery
• Craniofacial surgery
• Aesthetic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Microvascular surgery

At Children’s of Alabama, residents will be involved in reconstructive procedures for traumatic and congenital defects, including complex cases such as craniofacial deformities, cleft lip and palate issues, and burn reconstruction.1

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) platform. It is important for applicants to verify any specific requirements related to graduation year, as well as any restrictions on maximum failed STEP exams.

Competitiveness and Applicant Profile

The program is recognized for its competitiveness, making it crucial for applicants to have strong academic records and relevant experience in surgical rotations. Typically, successful applicants may include distinguished graduates from both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools. The program maintains a welcoming approach towards International Medical Graduates (IMGs), provided they meet specific eligibility criteria and possess valid clinical experience.

Visa Support

The program provides assistance with visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants. The types of visas available for sponsorship may include H-1B and J-1 visas, which facilitate participation in the residency program. Candidates should ascertain their eligibility for visa services during the application process.

Current Residents

The residency program hosts participants from a range of medical schools with diverse backgrounds. Current Integrated Residents include:

• Edgar Alvarado-Munoz, M.D. (PGY 3, McGovern Medical School)
• Cody Tyson, M.D. (PGY 3, Saint Louis University School of Medicine)
• Lauren Curwick, M.D. (PGY 2, Medical College of Wisconsin)
• Amanda Fang, M.D. (PGY 2, UAB)
• Andrew Grush, M.D. (PGY 1, Meharry Medical College)
• Gayle Wiesemann, M.D. (PGY 1, University of Florida)

This diverse group reflects the program's commitment to select candidates who are not only academically proficient but also exhibit a passion for plastic surgery and a commitment to serving a diverse patient population.2