University of California (San Francisco) Program

Program Overview

The Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a six-year clinical training program designed to provide comprehensive education in both general and plastic surgery. The program aims to develop highly skilled and compassionate plastic surgeons who are capable of leading in innovation, education, and research. Annually, the program accepts three new residents, ensuring a focused and personalized training experience 1.

Breaking down the structure, the first three years comprise core general surgery rotations, specialty training in related surgical fields, and intensive training in plastic surgery. Specifically, this includes 13 months of core general surgical rotations, 3 months on specialties closely linked to plastic surgery, and a total of 18 months dedicated exclusively to plastic surgery 1.

Following the foundational years, the program offers a full 36 months of concentrated plastic surgery training at multiple clinical sites, enabling exposure to a diverse patient population and a variety of healthcare systems. This exposure is vital for residents to acquire a rich breadth of operative experience along with graduated autonomy based on their increasing skill level 1.

Clinical Rotations and Sites

Residents engage in clinical rotations across eight different sites, including:

• UCSF Parnassus Campus: This site offers over 500 beds and a variety of plastic surgery experiences including oncological reconstruction, microsurgery, and cosmetic procedures.
• UCSF Mission Bay Campus: A state-of-the-art facility focusing on pediatric surgical care, offering experiences in craniofacial clinics and multidisciplinary treatment for conditions like cleft palate.
• Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG): As a Level I trauma center, ZSFG is critical for residents seeking experience in trauma-related plastic surgeries and gender affirmation procedures.
• California Pacific Medical Center and The Buncke Clinic: Known for microsurgery and hand surgery, this facility is renowned for its high-volume replantation cases.
• San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Here, residents gain a wealth of experience in hand surgery and general reconstruction related to trauma.
• Saint Francis Memorial Hospital: Home to the Bothin Burn Center, residents gain crucial skills in burn treatment and reconstruction.
• UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland: This site provides a pediatric perspective with around 300-400 plastic surgeries performed annually.

This diverse training environment enriches the educational experience and equips residents with the necessary skills for a successful practice in plastic surgery 6 7.

Curriculum and Didactic Training

The curriculum comprises a mix of clinical work, didactic education, and research opportunities. The residency is structured to ensure continuity of patient care while allowing residents to develop independence and proficient decision-making skills. Each year enhances the complexity and autonomy of surgical procedures performed by the residents.

Conferences are a central part of the educational experience, with weekly sessions including case discussions, morbidity and mortality reviews, journal clubs, and hands-on skills labs. Such conferences foster a conducive learning atmosphere while emphasizing the importance of quality improvement in clinical practice 9.

Residents are encouraged to participate in research projects throughout their training, with dedicated opportunities during a research year designed to help residents develop their research skills and academic contributions 10.

Research Opportunities

UCSF provides an environment supportive of clinical and translational research, with strong faculty mentorship. Residents can choose from various research areas, including basic science, clinical outcomes, and global health projects. This emphasis helps residents develop a well-rounded skill set applicable to the evolving field of plastic surgery 11.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports visa applications, particularly for the J-1 and H-1B visa types. This sponsorship allows international medical graduates (IMGs) to participate in residency training at UCSF, which is particularly beneficial for those who demonstrate significant motivation and alignment with the program’s values of innovation and surgical excellence.

The program is competitive, welcoming candidates from both Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) backgrounds, and there exists a supportive framework for IMGs, helping to foster a diverse group of residents.

Application Details and Requirements

Applicants are typically expected to provide evidence of strong academic performance, relevant experiences, and dedication to the field. Special attention is given to candidates who exhibit potential for research and leadership. While specific application criteria may vary, candidates should be cautious about failing scores on standardized exams, as repeated attempts can affect competitiveness. Most successfully matched applicants exhibit a solid performance in their Step 1 and Step 2 scores 1.

Living and Community

Residents are provided a housing stipend to help with the high cost of living in San Francisco, where most choose to reside. The city offers a vibrant culture, numerous dining options, and countless outdoor activities, enhancing the overall residency experience and work-life balance. Many residents actively participate in city activities such as the San Francisco Ballet and local outdoor adventures 14.

Conferences and Additional Education

Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning through various conferences. Regular attendance at specialized cadaver labs and hands-on workshops ensures that residents remain at the forefront of surgical education and technique development. The program encourages attendance at external conferences, enhancing networking and professional development opportunities 10.