University of South Florida Morsani Program

The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Department of Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program aimed to equip residents with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of plastic surgery. This program is characterized by its commitment to providing state-of-the-art education and training, integrating clinical practice and research throughout the six years of residency.

The program encompasses a range of affiliated hospitals including Tampa General Hospital, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, and All Children's Hospital, which serve diverse patient populations and a variety of clinical cases. Each institution brings unique experiences, from trauma care and burn surgery to oncologic procedures and pediatric plastic surgery, providing residents with a meticulous and diverse surgical exposure 1.

Curriculum Structure

The Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program is a six-year program that begins at the PGY-1 level. This curriculum is crafted to ensure residents gain increased clinical responsibility and surgical expertise in a variety of specialties, thus preparing them for independent practice.

Residents engage in various mentored clinical and basic science research projects, enhancing their academic pursuits during the program. There are opportunities to participate in conferences and submit abstracts for regional and national meetings, with funding available for research and educational activities 2.

Training Sites

The residency offers training at several major healthcare facilities:

• Tampa General Hospital: A Level 1 trauma center focusing on facial trauma, hand injuries, and reconstructive surgery.
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center: Specializes in oncologic plastic surgery.
• Bay Pines Veterans Hospital: Known for its expertise in cutaneous oncology and wound care.
• James A. Haley Veterans Hospital: Offers a specialized spinal cord unit and comprehensive rehabilitation services.
• All Children's Hospital: Provides experience in pediatric surgery and community practice.

This exposure guarantees a well-rounded view of both academic and clinical plastic surgery, with residents benefitting from varied patient cases and care conditions 3.

Research Opportunities

The department fosters an active research environment, focusing on vital topics such as lymphedema outcomes, breast reconstruction, and maxillofacial trauma. Residents are required to engage in at least one research project annually, promoting their involvement in the academic community and offering support when they present their findings 4.

Application Process

The program accepts four medical school graduates each year through a competitive application process. Candidates must provide a comprehensive application including a CV, USMLE scores, and three letters of reference. All applicants must register with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and must be ECFMG certified if they are foreign medical graduates, as only J1 visas are accepted by the program 2.

Resident Benefits

Residents are provided with a comprehensive benefits package including health, disability, and life insurance, at no cost. They receive 15 vacation days and 9 sick days per year, along with substantial professional liability coverage. Additional support is available through a Resident Assistance Program offering counseling and wellness services 5.

Special Features

One unique aspect of the residency is the Chief Resident Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, which allows chief residents to perform aesthetic procedures under supervision, enriching their surgical experience. This clinic operates weekly and serves the Tampa Bay community, addressing both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic needs 3.

International Electives

Residents also have the opportunity to participate in a one-week elective in International Cleft Care. This collaboration with Operation Smile provides exposure to international medicine and enhances the hands-on experience in treating cleft-afflicted patients 6.

Visa Sponsorship

For international applicants, the program exclusively accepts the J1 visa for foreign medical graduates, facilitating the legal entry and residency for those who match into the program 2.

Competitiveness

The University of South Florida Plastic Surgery Residency is regarded as a highly competitive program. It welcomes applicants from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), thus accommodating a diverse range of applicants striving for a career in plastic surgery 2.