University of Mississippi Medical Center Program
Location:
Jackson, MSSpecialty:
UrologyACGME Code:
4802721075Overview of the Urology Residency Program
The Urology Residency Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is an ACGME-accredited five-year training program. Each year, the program selects two residents. The appointment process follows the Society of Academic Urologists Matching Program. The program emphasizes resident education and scholarly activity, with a structured rotation schedule that supports one-on-one mentorship between residents and urology faculty. This mentorship is designed to enhance the resident's learning experience, foster patient care involvement, and provide real-time feedback throughout training.
1Training Curriculum
The residency curriculum incorporates comprehensive training in urology, including a focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques alongside traditional open urologic procedures. Residents are exposed to advanced surgical technologies, such as the da Vinci robotic system, enhancing their skill set in modern surgical practices. The program is designed to ensure a robust operative experience, with residents expected to perform over 2,000 operations on adult patients and approximately 200 operations on pediatric patients throughout their residency.
2Rotational Structure
Initially, the first year (PGY-1) includes rotations in both adult urology and general surgery, allowing for a total of six months in each specialty. The rotations cover various subspecialties, including Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), pediatric surgery, trauma surgery, colorectal surgery, acute care surgery, and transplant surgery. For PGY-2 through PGY-5, the rotations focus on adult and pediatric urology services, underscoring practical experience in diverse clinical settings, which include UMMC hospitals and clinics, the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.
3Educational Opportunities
Educational engagement is further enhanced through weekly conferences, a monthly journal club, and periodic visiting professorships. These opportunities allow residents to engage with experts in the field of urology and stay current with the latest research and clinical advancements. The emphasis on scholarly activity prepares residents for a potential future in academic medicine or specialized fellowship training.
4Research and Scholarly Activity
The Urology Residency Program encourages research involvement, with faculty providing guidance and mentorship for residents undertaking research projects. This commitment to scholarly activity not only enhances the resident’s medical knowledge and competency but also contributes to the advancement of urological practice through evidence-based medicine.
5Faculty Support
The program prides itself on a dedicated faculty committed to teaching and mentorship. Faculty involvement is designed to ensure an enriching educational experience, with informal and formal instruction built into the residency program structure. This commitment fosters a supportive environment where residents are empowered to ask questions and seek guidance, enhancing their overall training experience.
6Patient Population & Exposure
As the only academic medical center in Mississippi, UMMC offers a diverse patient population, allowing residents to manage a wide variety of urological conditions. This exposure is critical for developing clinical skills and preparing residents for future practice, whether in a private, academic, or fellowship-centered career.
7Application Process
Applicants to the residency program must submit their applications exclusively through ERAS. International medical graduates must be ECFMG certified before the application deadline. Essential components of the application include a common application form, CV, USMLE scores (with a first-attempt pass for Step 1 and a minimum score of 250 for Step 2), a Dean's letter, medical school transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or hold J-1 visa status (or Permanent Resident status) to be eligible for employment as a resident.
8Visa Support
The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, allowing them to participate in the residency if they qualify under the program's standards. Candidates must ensure they fulfill all requirements for ECFMG certification prior to applying.
9Competitiveness and Admission Requirements
The Urology Residency Program is competitive, particularly for applicants from U.S. medical schools; however, it remains considered friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO graduates. The program evaluates all applications based on a combination of academic performance, clinical experiences, and overall fit within the program's educational mission.
10Website
Director
Christopher M Bean, MDProgram Director, Urology Residency Program Appointed Since May 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
65hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$56,784First Year Paid Vacation:
21 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Jackson, MS
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
About Living in Jackson, MS
- Location: Jackson, MS is the capital city of Mississippi, centrally located in the state.
- Climate: Jackson has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Expect high humidity during summer months.
- Population: Jackson has a diverse population with various races and ethnicities.
- Safety: Jackson has areas with higher crime rates, so it's advisable to research neighborhoods before choosing a place to live. Take precautionary measures for safety.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Jackson is relatively lower compared to national averages, making it an affordable place to live.
- Education: Jackson is home to several colleges and universities, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Fun Activities: There are museums, parks, music venues, and cultural events in Jackson. Outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are also popular.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Larger cities like Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA are a few hours' drive away from Jackson, offering additional entertainment and dining options.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, educational opportunities, and cultural attractions.
- Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, hot and humid summers.
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