University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Bowling Green) Program

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Bowling Green) General Surgery Residency Program at The Medical Center offers an extensive educational experience in General Surgery, focusing on developing skilled and compassionate surgeons. This five-year program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, accepts two residents annually and has a total capacity of ten residents. Participants gain clinical proficiency through graduated responsibility, ensuring that their education aligns with their abilities through five years of clinical experience.

Residents participate in both inpatient and outpatient management of surgical patients, with ample opportunities for early operating experiences. The program provides consult services across various departments and involves weekly outpatient clinic participation, emphasizing pre- and post-operative management of surgical cases. Additional educational features include weekly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences, faculty-led didactics, and ABSITE review sessions, while the first Thursday of every month is designated for research, study hours, or wellness activities. Monthly Grand Rounds and journal clubs are also integral parts of the curriculum, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is meticulously designed across five postgraduate years, with a variety of rotations:

• Post-Graduate Year 1: 6 months in General Surgery, 2 months in Vascular Surgery, 1 month in Plastics and Burn, 1 month in Cardiothoracic Surgery, and 2 months as Float.
• Post-Graduate Year 2: 5 months in General Surgery, 2 months in Vascular Surgery, 1 month in General Surgery/Endoscopy, 1 month in Trauma, 1 month in Transplant, and 2 months as Float.
• Post-Graduate Year 3: 3 months in General Surgery, 1 month in Vascular Surgery, and the remaining time covering Minimally Invasive Surgery, Plastics and Burn, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, among others.
• Post-Graduate Year 4: Focus on General Surgery with 4 electives, having rotations in Vascular Surgery.
• Post-Graduate Year 5: Significant exposure with 8 months in General Surgery and 3 months dedicated to General Surgery/Endoscopy, along with rotations in Vascular Surgery.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Applicants must be graduates of LCME-accredited medical schools, COCA accredited programs, or recognized international schools. They must have passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 or the COMLEX equivalent prior to interviews and should have preferably scored 230 or above on USMLE or 550 on COMLEX, with no failures on any exam.

The program supports applications from international medical graduates (IMGs) who hold a valid ECFMG certification and does not favor applicants who have graduated from their medical school more than 24 months prior, unless actively practicing or in training during that time. Notably, the program sponsors J-1 visas for qualified candidates but does not support H-1 visas.

Interview Process

Applicants selected for interviews will be notified via email, with interviews taking place from November to February on a first-come, first-served basis. Interviewees will subsequently meet with various faculty members and current residents, providing an opportunity to understand the program's culture and expectations.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is a critical component of the program, with time allocated for residents to engage in scholarly work that can lead to presentations and publications. Residents are encouraged to participate in research activities that contribute to the medical community and enhance their educational experience.

Competitiveness

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Bowling Green) General Surgery Residency Program is known for its rigorous selection process, making it a competitive program that values academic excellence, strong communication skills, and personal attributes indicative of successful surgical candidates.

In summary, the residency program not only offers comprehensive clinical exposure but also fosters an environment of continuous learning, research, and professional growth, making it an ideal choice for aspiring surgeons.