University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) Program

Program Overview

The USC/Los Angeles General (USC/LA General) Program in Plastic Surgery - Integrated is a six-year residency designed to fulfill the requirements for board certification in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The program admits three residents per year and emphasizes a collaborative learning environment that includes progressive responsibility from the very first rotation. This hands-on experience culminates with the chief resident managing their own service at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, which provides a rich and diverse training setting.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is structured to ensure comprehensive exposure to a wide variety of surgical disciplines, essential for a career in plastic surgery. The first three years include rotations in trauma surgery, general surgery, pediatric surgery, head and neck surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology, under the mentorship of over 40 full-time faculty members with expertise in all areas of plastic surgery.

Training Sites

The integrated program is conducted across nine USC hospital affiliates which include:

• Los Angeles General Medical Center: A major center for trauma, providing residents exposure to a high volume of complex cases.
• Keck Hospital of USC: A tertiary/quaternary referral center that allows residents to engage with some of the most acute medical and surgical issues.
• USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center: An NCI-designated cancer center providing critical insights into oncological patients.
• Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Notable for its extensive pediatric surgical cases.
• Kaiser Permanente, West LA: A community hospital offering exposure to general surgery and subspecialties.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages resident participation in research, with protected time allocated for academic pursuits. Residents are expected to produce high-quality research that is presented at national meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. The program offers flexibility that allows for individual interest alignment and project selection, thereby empowering residents to delve into both clinical and laboratory settings.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This program is committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles, recognizing the importance of understanding diverse patient backgrounds. The JEDI curriculum is integrated into all aspects of the residency training, providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and direct involvement in addressing health disparities.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications for the Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency are accepted via the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA). Required application materials include:

• Common application form
• Personal statement
• Medical school transcripts
• MSPE/dean’s letter
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation
• Photograph
• USMLE transcripts
• ABSITE transcripts
• ECFMG status report (for foreign graduates only)

The selection process places a strong emphasis on a candidate's commitment to pursuing a career in plastic surgery.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international medical graduates and is prepared to sponsor various visa types as part of its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive training environment. Specific visa types may include J-1 visas for residency programs, catering to international applicants.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The USC/LA General Program in Plastic Surgery is considered highly competitive due to its comprehensive training, diverse clinical experiences, and the reputation of faculty involved in the program. It is friendly towards osteopathic and international medical graduate applicants, thus opening doors for a wider range of candidates. The program values a diverse pool of applicants, understanding that this diversity enriches the educational experience.

Benefits and Salary

Residents in the program receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Competitive salary based on postgraduate year level
• Housing stipend for support with living expenses
• Reimbursement for educational expenses
• Meal stipends during rotations

Overall, the program aims to provide a robust financial support system to ensure residents can focus on their training without undue financial burden.