University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Pensacola) Program

The University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare General Surgery Residency program, located at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola, is a newly established residency that has started its first cohort training in July. This program has received initial ACGME accreditation, making it an essential part of UCF/HCA"s consortium that includes a total of 33 accredited residency and fellowship programs across the state of Florida. The program is specifically designed to address the increasing physician shortage in the region.

General Surgery Residency is structured as a five-year training program that prepares residents through a comprehensive curriculum in diverse surgical disciplines. The training encompasses various specialized areas including vascular surgery, trauma, critical care, emergency surgery, colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, burn surgery, and pediatric surgery. Residents engage in open surgical techniques, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, and advanced robotic surgery, along with endoscopy procedures to ensure a well-rounded surgical education.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program offers rotations throughout its duration across different surgical specialties. Residents will have exposure to a blend of clinical services, allowing them to acquire hands-on experiences in different aspects of general surgery. The curriculum not only emphasizes surgical skills but also patient management and postoperative care. The emphasis is on fostering the resident's ability to diagnose and manage a broad spectrum of surgical cases, ensuring they graduate as competent and confident surgeons.

Research Opportunities

As part of their training, residents are encouraged to participate in research activities. This can enhance their academic profile and contribute to advancements in surgical practices. The program aims to foster a culture of inquiry and discovery, allowing residents to work alongside experienced faculty mentors on innovative surgical research projects.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UCF/HCA program is distinctive in several ways. It is particularly committed to serving the Pensacola community, aiming to retain physicians who train within the area. The program acknowledges that most physicians often choose to practice near where they completed their residency training, which can address local healthcare needs efficiently. Moreover, the program has a relatively smaller cohort of three residents per year, totaling a maximum of 15 residents, allowing for personalized attention and a close-knit educational environment.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs) and is able to support J-1 visa applications for eligible candidates. This is an essential aspect for IMG applicants looking to secure a position in a competitive residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The General Surgery residency program is considered highly competitive due to the demand for residency spots in surgical specialties, in conjunction with a limited number of available positions. Applicants must possess an MD or DO degree from LCME- or AOA-accredited medical schools. The program also welcomes applications from graduates of international medical schools, further extending opportunities for qualified IMGs.

All candidates must have successfully completed USMLE Step I and Step II or COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 before the application deadline to qualify for consideration. Participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is also a requirement. The selection process includes virtual interviews for qualified candidates.

Conclusion

The UCF/HCA Florida Healthcare General Surgery Residency program offers a unique opportunity for residents to train in a supportive and academically enriched environment. With a dedicated team of experienced faculty, a comprehensive curriculum, competitive fellowship placements, and ongoing research opportunities, the program is well-positioned to train the next generation of skilled surgeons.