University of South Florida Morsani Program

The Vascular Surgery Training Program at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine is dedicated to providing an intense and comprehensive education in all facets of vascular disease. This program encompasses both an integrated residency (0+5) and a fellowship (5+2), aiming to offer a rich clinical experience as well as extensive academic training.

The program boasts a robust clinical experience in both open and endovascular procedures, performing a high volume of operations that vary in complexity, thus covering the full spectrum of vascular surgery. Training is designed to take place across multiple esteemed institutions including a major teaching hospital (a level 1 trauma center and tertiary referral center) and two Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, thereby ensuring exposure to a wide array of vascular pathologies. In addition, residents and fellows participate in didactic lectures aligned with the V-SCORE curriculum, a dedicated vascular laboratory rotation, and professional development lectures on pertinent topics like emotional intelligence and contract negotiations in surgical training 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is notably structured, allowing residents to engage extensively in clinical research throughout all years of training. Specifically, the program provides funding for two dedicated research positions between the second and third postgraduate years, facilitating a strong foundation in research methodologies and literature 1. Additionally, there is a requirement for all residents to maintain active research projects leading towards peer-reviewed publications. In recent years, graduates typically finish with a notable record comprising between 5 to 15 manuscripts and multiple oral presentations at professional meetings 1.

The integration of core general surgery rotations within the residency training is vital. Residents complete 18 months of general surgery across various specialties, ensuring their comprehensive training encompasses critical areas such as trauma, critical care, cardiothoracic surgery, and transplant surgery 8. The clinical experience is central, with significant exposure at Tampa General Hospital, which performs about 2500 major vascular procedures annually. This includes diverse and complex cases such as aortic aneurysm repairs, thoracic outlet procedures, and endovascular revascularization 8.

Research Opportunities

Research at the University of South Florida boasts an active and diverse portfolio, including basic, translational, and clinical research endeavors. The aim is to establish one of the leading academic vascular surgery programs in the nation 7. Key areas of research include genomic determinants of lower extremity revascularization failure and thrombin's role in vascular injury. All residents are strongly encouraged to partake in research initiatives, fostering a culture of inquiry and application of evidence-based practices in their clinical duties.

Educational Conferences

The program prioritizes education through structured weekly conferences that include case reviews and morbidity and mortality discussions. Monthly journal clubs enhance the residents' understanding of biostatistics, augmenting their research efforts 4. Additionally, simulation training at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in Tampa provides hands-on experience, aligning both basic and complex procedural training in a controlled environment 8.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs), demonstrating a stance that is friendly toward DO and IMG candidates. Visa sponsorship is available, accommodating J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that qualified applicants have comprehensive support throughout their application and training processes 3.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit their applications through the designated application systems, including essential documents such as a personal statement, dean's letter, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, the applications are reviewed holistically, meaning that prior performance on standardized exams is one of many factors considered 3. Important to note, any candidate must adhere to specific eligibility criteria about graduation timeline and limits on test failures.

Overall, the Vascular Surgery Training Program at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine emphasizes a collaborative training approach, providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares residents and fellows to excel in their contributions to the vascular surgical community.