University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program in Vascular Surgery is comprehensively designed to train the next generation of vascular surgeons through an integrated residency format that spans five years. This program is distinct in being the only vascular surgery training program in South Florida and part of one of the largest graduate medical education frameworks in the United States. The program’s commitment to evidence-based practices, superior surgical skills, and enriching educational experiences ensures that residents not only excel in surgical procedures but also contribute to the advancement of vascular care through research and clinical practice.

Program Overview

The residency consists of two preliminary years focused on core general surgery training, followed by three years dedicated specifically to vascular surgery. Within this structure, residents engage in hands-on clinical experiences that cover the entire spectrum of arterial and venous diseases, integrating non-operative care, vascular medicine, and both open and endovascular surgical techniques.

Training Sites

Residents are immersed in a diverse clinical environment, dividing their time between several key institutions within the Miami Health District, all located within close proximity. The primary training sites include:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• UHealth Tower, a University of Miami Hospital and Clinics Facility
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Ryder Trauma Center, the largest vascular trauma referral center in South Florida and the Caribbean

This array of facilities allows residents to gain exposure to a comprehensive array of vascular conditions, from traumatic aortic injuries to complex cases requiring advanced surgical intervention.

Curriculum Structure

The integrated program emphasizes surgical competence paired with patient care expertise. Early years incorporate general surgery principles, while later years focus intensively on vascular surgery education. Specifically:

• Years 1-2: Focus on general surgery knowledge and skills, with participation in vascular surgery workshops.
• Year 3: Transition to a more focused vascular curriculum, including proficiency in vascular lab studies.
• Years 4-5: Residents lead open and endovascular cases, assuming increasing clinical responsibilities and decision-making roles reflective of their educational progression.

Through this rigorous curriculum, residents are well-prepared for the American Board of Surgery certification.

Research and Education

Research is a core component of the residency, fostering a culture of continual learning and inquiry. Residents are encouraged to participate in various research opportunities, including:

• Data-driven research projects
• Access to national vascular surgery registries
• Presentations at national meetings
• Involvement in prospective clinical trials

Moreover, structured educational activities such as daily case presentations, weekly didactic sessions, and monthly morbidity and mortality reviews enrich the learning experience.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports international medical graduates through J1 visa sponsorship, specifically through the Alien Physician Program. As for competitiveness, the program is known to attract a diverse group of applicants and is welcoming to those with degrees from international schools, thus being DO and IMG friendly.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the residency must meet specific qualifications, including the successful completion of Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) before the start of the program. Additionally, Step 3 must be completed by the end of the third year of residency. There are no other postgraduate training requirements needed prior to application, and the program does not impose limits on failed exams, which supports a broader range of applicants.