University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Program

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a fully accredited Plastic Surgery Residency and Fellowship program that is recognized by the ACGME. This independent program spans three years and accepts two positions each year, available through the San Francisco Match. Admission to the program is contingent upon meeting the prerequisite requirements set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The program provides residents with robust training to hone their skills in plastic surgery through a combination of extensive hands-on experience and supervisory guidance.

The residency includes comprehensive clinical rotations in various sub-specialties within plastic surgery. Each resident will participate in multiple rotations which facilitate exposure to a diverse range of surgical techniques and patient care scenarios. Clinical responsibilities will gradually increase as residents progress through the program, ensuring they develop competence in pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative care.

Rotations take place primarily in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, utilizing facilities such as the OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center, which is designated as a Level One Trauma Center and the main adult hospital, as well as the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and Lakeside Women’s Hospital. Residents will engage in outpatient clinics located in the Presbyterian Physician Office Building (PPOB), OU Health Physician's Plastic Surgery Clinic, and OU Health Children’s Physician's Plastic Surgery Clinic, thereby acquiring approximately 2,000 cases of surgical experience throughout their training period.

Curriculum and Educational Environment

The program places significant emphasis on delivering a comprehensive curriculum that integrates didactic and practical learning experiences. Weekly conferences form an integral part of the educational structure, providing a platform for both fellows and residents to engage collaboratively. Faculty-led lectures occur every Friday, supplemented by Indications and Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) conferences. Additionally, the program facilitates monthly Journal Club meetings to support critical scholarly discussions and learning initiatives.

To further prepare residents for board certification, mock oral board exams are conducted biannually, ensuring that trainees approach certification with confidence. Records of personal operative experiences are meticulously maintained by each resident using the ACGME format.

Plastic Surgery Training Operations

The program encompasses a broad spectrum of training operations, including but not limited to Breast Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery, Microsurgery, Hand Surgery, and Oncologic Extirpation and Reconstruction. Residents are also exposed to Burn Management and Cosmetic Surgery, which are essential components of modern plastic surgical practices. Furthermore, opportunities for additional training are available in areas such as Facial Injections and Fillers, Craniomaxillofacial techniques, Cadaver Dissections, and Microsurgical Labs.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Process

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center supports residency candidates in their visa applications and can sponsor various visa types. It is essential for international medical graduates to verify the specific visa types that can be sponsored as part of their application to the program.

The application process is solely conducted through the San Francisco Match system, which outlines specific requirements that must be met by applicants. It is noteworthy that this program is competitive and aims to attract a diverse applicant pool, including both U.S. and international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements include the year of graduation and restrictions on the number of failed Step exams, thus fostering a competitive landscape for prospective residents.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One distinct advantage of the University of Oklahoma’s Plastic Surgery Residency and Fellowship program is its favorable faculty-to-resident ratio, which promotes personalized mentorship and educational experiences. The collaborative environment encourages residents to thrive under guidance, further enhancing their learning and clinical techniques.