University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

The University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga offers a comprehensive Surgery residency program that prepares residents to become skilled surgeons equipped to navigate the complexities of modern surgical practice. The program is fully accredited by ACGME and maintains a commendable reputation, having received continued accreditation without citations. The program emphasizes not only clinical training but also education through research, leadership, and diverse surgical experiences.

Program Structure

The Surgery residency spans a duration of six years, incorporating five years of clinical training combined with one year dedicated to either Surgical Critical Care, Clinical Research, or an MBA/Leadership track. The residents engage in detailed research rotations during their second, third, and fourth years, allowing participants to explore academic interests alongside their clinical responsibilities. This structure enables the training of well-rounded surgeons who are prepared for the demands of both clinical and research environments 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents embark on an extensive set of rotations during their training. The first year (PGY-1) is particularly focused on developing foundational surgical skills, featuring dedicated time in the skills lab for training in procedures such as intubation, central lines, and laparoscopic techniques. Following the first year, residents experience rotations across various surgical specialties, including trauma, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, and general surgery, across both academic and clinical settings 1. This diverse exposure prepares residents to handle a wide range of surgical cases, as approximately 18,000 operative procedures are performed annually at Erlanger Health System, the primary clinical site 1.

Training Sites

The primary site for residency training is Erlanger Health System, a Level I Trauma Center. The hospital provides a robust environment for learning due to its high patient volume and variety of cases, with residents participating in approximately 90% of all admissions in the surgical departments. In addition to rotations at Erlanger, residents also undertake rural surgery placements, providing opportunities to practice surgical care in a community setting 1.

Research and Fellowship Opportunities

The program fosters a strong culture of research, encouraging residents to engage in clinical studies that enhance surgical practice and patient care. Residents complete their research training with mentorship from faculty involved in various surgical subspecialties, such as trauma, vascular surgery, and surgical critical care. Furthermore, the department sponsors several fellowship programs, including Colon and Rectal Surgery and Vascular Surgery, allowing residents to pursue advanced training post-residency 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The surgical residency program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga is considered highly competitive. Applicants are expected to exhibit strong academic credentials, including successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams, before they can be accepted into the program. Additional application requirements include a personal statement, CV, letters of recommendation, and electronic submission of materials through ERAS 1.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are welcome to apply, but they must meet specific criteria set forth by the program, including passing scores on required examinations and relevant documentation such as visa support documentation for J-1 visas, which is typically sponsored for those accepted 1.

Faculty and Education

The faculty involved in the residency program encompasses a diverse group of highly regarded surgeons with various specialties. The mentorship provided by experienced faculty members is a pivotal aspect of the residency experience, fostering both professional and personal development during training. Faculty members are active in various professional societies, further enriching the educational environment for residents 1.

Living in Chattanooga

Chattanooga itself is a vibrant community rich in outdoor activities and cultural experiences, providing a balanced lifestyle for residents amidst the rigorous demands of surgical training. From hiking and water sports to engaging in local festivals and culinary adventures, residents have ample opportunities to recharge and connect with nature and peers 1.