University of California Davis Health Program

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency program at UC Davis dates back to 1978, offering rigorous training in both the science and art of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This program stands fully accredited, offering two key pathways to certification as a plastic surgeon: the six-year Integrated Residency and the three-year Independent Residency. Annually, each pathway provides one position, selected through a competitive process.

Program Pathways

The Integrated Residency encompasses six years of training designed primarily for graduating medical students. Candidates entering this pathway will engage in a comprehensive curriculum, with the first three years consisting of rotations through various essential specialties such as Hand Surgery, Dermatology, Oculoplastics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Burns, Surgical Oncology, ENT, Urology, General Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. The subsequent three years are dedicated exclusively to advanced training in Plastic Surgery, with an early immersion into plastic surgery didactics.

The Independent Residency is tailored for those who have already completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency or related training, spanning three years. This pathway emphasizes advanced techniques and allows for the integration of relevant experiences from prior surgical residencies.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is carefully structured and includes high operative volumes surpassing the recommended minimums, ensuring residents achieve a progressive improvement in both medical knowledge and clinical skills as outlined by the Plastic Surgery Milestones. Residents gain increasing levels of responsibility, with senior residents serving as mentors to junior peers. There exists a strong encouragement for participation in research, with residents actively submitting their findings to regional and national plastic surgery conferences each year.

Faculty and Training Environment

Under the leadership of a dedicated faculty comprising accomplished surgeons, the training environment fosters collaboration. The program's faculty is fully committed to teaching the intricate details of plastic surgery, ensuring that advancements in education and training are met with innovative approaches.

Research Opportunities

The program promotes a culture of inquiry and research, offering residents numerous opportunities to engage in projects that contribute to cutting-edge advancements in the field of plastic surgery. Mentorship is readily available, and graduates often present their work at various conferences, thus enhancing their academic and professional profiles.

Resident Well-Being

Understanding that wellness is integral to training, the UC Davis program prioritizes resident well-being through supportive initiatives designed to combat burnout and maintain morale. This includes access to mental health resources, camaraderie-building social events, and physical wellness programs.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The UC Davis Plastic Surgery Residency program supports visa sponsorship for eligible applicants, with options for J-1 and H-1B visas, making it an attractive choice for both U.S. and international medical graduates. It maintains a reputation as a competitive program, welcoming applications from both International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) candidates, thus ensuring a diverse cohort.

Application Requirements

The residency program maintains stringent application requirements. To be considered, applicants must submit a complete ERAS application package, which must include a Curriculum Vitae (CV), personal statement, three letters of recommendation (with a minimum of two emphasizing the plastic surgery specialty), a dean's letter, transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores. Candidates are typically expected to be from accredited medical programs and must have demonstrated resilience and proficiency in prior medical training.