University of California (San Francisco) Program

The Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) represents a premier training opportunity designed to equip residents with comprehensive, integrated training in vascular surgery, including core general surgery and endovascular procedures over five years. This program aims to produce leaders in academic vascular surgery and includes structured academic development time to foster research or advanced degree pursuits between the third and fourth clinical years.

The residency comprises 24 months of core surgical rotations alongside 36 months focused on vascular surgery. Training occurs at four integrated sites across San Francisco, each offering a diverse patient population and varied healthcare systems, establishing a robust educational environment leveraging the resources of UCSF’s esteemed general surgery residency program.

Research Opportunities

Notably, the program allocates two years for academic development, allowing residents to engage in research or pursue additional degrees. Faculty mentors actively involve residents in a wide range of research endeavors, spanning basic science, translational, clinical, and health services research. Many prior mentees have successfully secured their research funding, including competitive NIH grants, capitalizing on UCSF’s leading public institution status in NIH funding.

Clinical Training Sites

The clinical training is dispersed among four major urban sites:

• UCSF Medical Center: A high-volume academic center recognized for its diverse vascular procedure volumes, with numerous operating and hybrid rooms dedicated to complex aortic and hybrid revascularizations.
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• San Francisco VA Health Care System: Serving veterans, this facility offers comprehensive medical and surgical care, and is routinely involved in advanced research programs.
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• Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital: Recognized as a Level I Trauma Center, it supports a significant volume of vascular cases, combining general and trauma care contexts.
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• Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center: This center is a regional referral site known for delivering extensive cardiovascular services and advanced aortic surgical procedures.
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Educational Conferences and Learning

The program emphasizes ongoing education through a variety of conferences and workshops. Weekly and monthly events include:

• Walk Rounds
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• Morbidity, Mortality, and Preoperative Case Conference
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• Vascular Surgery Grand Rounds
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• Journal Clubs and Simulation Labs
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• Annual UCSF Vascular Symposium
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Application and Eligibility Requirements

The UCSF Vascular Surgery Residency Program is highly competitive, accepting only one candidate each year directly from medical school. Eligibility extends to graduates from LCME-accredited medical schools or international medical schools with specific credentials, including ECFMG certification for foreign graduates. The selection process values academic achievement, personal characteristics, and effective communication skills.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

UCSF offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, specifically for J-1 visas and H-1B visas, ensuring that the program is accessible to a broad range of applicants. Its selective nature makes UCSF a favored destination for high-achieving candidates, including those graduating from both MD and DO programs, as well as international medical graduates, ensuring a diverse pool of residents.

Unique Aspects and Support

Residents receive financial support for educational resources and are allocated stipends for relocation and housing, reflecting UCSF's commitment to enhancing residents' living and working conditions. Educational sessions are planned throughout the residency to foster knowledge and skills, with dedicated funds available for conference travel related to accepted research.