University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine (Tulsa) Program

Overview of the Surgery Program

The Surgery Program at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine in Tulsa is dedicated to delivering superior surgical education through a combination of hands-on experience, innovative teaching methodologies, and a commitment to service within the community. The program emphasizes a core set of values: kindness, quality, learning, innovation, community, and inclusion, which guide both faculty members and residents throughout their training.

Residents complete a comprehensive five-year curriculum designed to prepare them for general practice as well as opportunities for subspecialty training post-residency. The program is structured to offer early operative exposure and significant mentorship with experienced faculty across a diverse spectrum of surgical disciplines.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Surgical Residency is structured across various years, with specific rotations lined out as follows:

PGY1

- 2 months Acute Care Surgery
- 2 months Colorectal Surgery
- 2 months Night Float
- 2 months OU General Surgery
- 2 months Trauma/Critical Care
- 2 months Vascular Surgery

PGY2

- 3 months Trauma/Critical Care
- 2 months VA Hospital Muskogee
- 1 month Acute Care Surgery
- 1 month Ambulatory Surgery
- 1 month Burns
- 1 month Colorectal Surgery
- 1 month OU General Surgery
- 1 month Private General Surgery
- 1 month Vascular Surgery

PGY3

- 3 months Trauma/Critical Care
- 2 months OU General Surgery
- 2 months VA Hospital Muskogee
- 1 month Breast Surgery
- 1 month Colorectal Surgery
- 1 month Private General Surgery
- 1 month Surgical Oncology
- 1 month Vascular Surgery

PGY4

- 2 months Pediatric Surgery
- 2 months VA Hospital Muskogee
- 1 month Acute Care Surgery
- 1 month Cardiothoracic Surgery
- 1 month Colorectal Surgery
- 1 month OU General Surgery
- 1 month Private General Surgery
- 1 month Transplant
- 1 month Trauma/Critical Care
- 1 month Vascular Surgery

PGY5

- 4 months Colorectal Surgery
- 4 months OU General Surgery
- 4 months Private General Surgery

This structured framework allows residents to engage in clinical experience early on, paired with robust educational conferences ensuring the continuous development of knowledge and skills essential for modern surgical practice.

Research Opportunities

Research is highly encouraged within the program, and residents are actively engaged in various clinical and translational research projects. The program boasts a strong presence at national conferences where residents present their findings and innovative research contributions. Collaborations with institutions like the OU Integrative Immunology Center further enrich the research environment, facilitating studies on surgical outcomes and enhancing evidence-based practices in surgical care.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This particular Surgery Residency is notable for several factors, including:

• Numerous opportunities for research with access to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
• An integrated robotic surgery curriculum ensuring competency in advanced surgical techniques.
• A dedicated mentorship program fostering individualized professional development among residents.
• Weekly didactic sessions protected by Wednesday's schedule providing five hours of educational engagement.
• A strong culture of kindness and inclusivity among faculty and residents, which is frequently highlighted by current trainees.

Training Sites and Clinical Partners

The program conducts training across multiple prestigious facilities:

• Ascension St. John Medical Center
• Hillcrest Medical Center
• Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Saint Francis Hospital

This array of clinical partners provides residents with diverse surgical cases and comprehensive learning experiences, enabling them to become skilled surgeons proficient in handling a wide scope of surgical conditions.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Application to the Surgery Residency Program requires submission through ERAS. Candidates must meet the following frame of eligibility:

• Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
• A maximum of three years since graduation from medical school.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation.

The program is known for being competitive, attracting high-caliber candidates, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO graduates, fostering a welcoming environment for diverse applicant backgrounds.

Visa Support

The Surgery Residency Program provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, including the J-1 exchange Visitor visa and H-1B visa types, facilitating international participation in the residency.

Resident Resources and Lifestyle

The program prides itself on supporting its residents through various resources including wellness initiatives, flexible scheduling, and educational workshops. The cost of living in Tulsa is notably affordable compared to other U.S. cities, which contributes to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for residents.

This supportive environment complements the rigorous academic curriculum and vibrant community engagement that characterizes the OU-TU School of Community Medicine.