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.
1Training 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.
1The 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.
1Rotations 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.
1Application 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.
1Visa 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.
1Competitiveness
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.
1Website
Director
Jorge I de la Torre, MDProfessor and Chief Appointed Since September 2004Coordinator
Program
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-Location
Birmingham, AL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Birmingham, AL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Birmingham has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, but certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's advisable to research specific areas before choosing a residence.
- Fun Activities: The city offers a variety of cultural and outdoor activities, including museums, parks, restaurants, and live music venues.
- Climate: Birmingham has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for some humidity and occasional storms.
- Races and Population: Birmingham is a diverse city with a mix of races, ethnicities, and cultures. The population is around 200,000 people.
- Education: Birmingham is home to several colleges and universities, providing opportunities for further education and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Birmingham is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Birmingham is within driving distance of major cities like Atlanta, Georgia (about 2.5 hours away), and Nashville, Tennessee (around 3 hours away).
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse culture, proximity to other cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate in some areas, hot and humid summers.
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