University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

UT Southwestern Medical Center's Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program is committed to developing technically proficient, compassionate surgeons who are innovators in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The program emphasizes a strong community service focus and cultivates a collaborative educational environment. Residents benefit from faculty-driven didactic instruction, hands-on clinical experiences with increasing autonomy, rigorous academic research opportunities, and a strong commitment to ethical practices. This preparation equips residents to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

Integrated and Independent Residency Programs

The residency program offers both Integrated and Independent tracks. The Integrated Residency Program is a six-year curriculum designed to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. In contrast, the Independent Residency Program is tailored for those who are already board-eligible and trained in general surgery.

Integrated Program

Individuals interested in the Integrated Residency can apply through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) or the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Applications are screened, and interview invitations are extended to selected candidates. Integrated interviews typically occur in early January of each year, preceded by a reception that facilitates networking with current residents and faculty.

Independent Program

Those applying for the Independent Residency must submit their applications via the Plastic Surgery Central Application Program (CAS). Interviews for this program are conducted in March, with a similar reception held beforehand. As of the 2024 season, the Independent Program will not participate in the matching process.

Application Requirements

Admission to the residency programs requires several core qualifications:

• Completion of USMLE Step 1 prior to application submission and Step 2 CK by the residency start date.
• Eligibility for a Texas Physician-in-Training permit, which applicants need to obtain before starting the residency.
• For international medical graduates, a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate is necessary.

Additionally, applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance to allow for any requisite credentialing. The program encourages early testing for Step 2 to improve the chances of application success.

Rotations and Clinical Training

The curriculum is designed to provide residents with diverse exposure through a variety of clinical rotations:

• Integrated Residency Rotations:

  • Year 1: Rotations in emergency medicine, surgical oncology, trauma, pediatric general surgery, and plastic surgery, among others.
  • Years 2-6: Increasing focus on specialized plastic surgery areas such as hand surgery, reconstruction, microsurgery, and elective options.

• Independent Residency Rotations:

  • Year 1: Includes rotations in pediatric plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery at various affiliated sites.
  • Years 2-3: Focuses on broadened clinical experience in pediatric plastic surgery, hand surgery, and reconstructive techniques.

Training Sites

Residents rotate through several esteemed institutions, including:

• William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital
• Parkland Health & Hospital System
• Children’s Health℠ Dallas
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center

These training sites provide a rich learning environment with multi-disciplinary collaborations and hands-on experiences essential for the comprehensive training of plastic surgeons.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

UT Southwestern is known for being friendly toward both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program sponsors visas for eligible candidates, aiding the application for H-1B or J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This supportive environment is crucial in maintaining a diverse resident cohort dedicated to excellence in plastic surgery.

Salaries and Benefits

The program offers competitive stipends and robust benefits that include medical, dental, and pharmacy insurance. Residents also have access to retirement income plans, disability insurance, and meal cards during overnight call responsibilities. This comprehensive benefits package ensures that residents are well-supported throughout their training.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the program emphasizes academic research as a critical component of residency. Residents are encouraged to engage in various research projects, enabling them to contribute to advancements in the field of plastic surgery and develop their scholarly aptitude.