University of Utah Health Program
Location:
Salt Lake City, UTSpecialty:
Pediatric surgeryACGME Code:
4454944060The Pediatric Surgery program at the University of Utah Health is recognized as a leading center for surgical education and clinical care. Based primarily at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, this program serves a wide catchment area that includes Utah and surrounding states, underscoring its commitment to providing top-tier surgical care for children through advanced technology, dedicated research, and robust clinical practices.
Program Overview
The Division of Pediatric Surgery's mission emphasizes a triad of commitments: delivering exceptional surgical care for children, providing an outstanding training experience for its fellows and residents, and engaging in significant clinical and basic science research. This program actively collaborates in multiple key areas of pediatric surgery, including trauma care and colorectal surgery, ensuring a thoroughly comprehensive fellowship experience for its trainees.Curriculum and Training
The fellowship program was established with the intent of providing hands-on experience with a high volume and complex array of pediatric cases. The training is concentrated at Primary Children’s Hospital, which is the sole training site, offering exposure to both common and rare pediatric surgical conditions. The program operates as a single-fellowship model, which allows for individualized attention and ensures the fellow can take full advantage of available surgical cases, overseeing complex neonatal operations from day one.Fellows can anticipate a clinical service that maximizes educational value, highlighted by being able to carry out the most intricate cases. The training schedule includes rotations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatric Urology, among others, with specific focus on enhancing both independent and supervised operative skills.
The program is structured to provide both academic rigor and a favorable work-life balance. The total case load for fellows is projected to be between 1,600-2,000 cases by the completion of the training, greatly exceeding the requirements set by the American Board of Pediatric Surgery. This extensive experience prepares graduates for leadership roles in pediatric surgery.
Research Opportunities
The Pediatric Surgery program is deeply invested in research. Faculty members are engaged in groundbreaking clinical studies, and the department promotes an environment that encourages fellows to participate actively in research projects. Current work spans a variety of specialized pediatric surgery topics, informed by the case experiences of past fellows, contributing to an expansive body of knowledge in pediatric surgical practices.Additionally, the division's engagement in the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium provides fellows with chances to be involved in large-scale, collaborative research studies that are essential to advancing pediatric care nationally.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The University of Utah’s Pediatric Surgery fellowship stands out due to its high clinical volume, enabling fellows to engage in a large number of complex surgical cases. The program is uniquely structured to ensure each fellow receives substantial hands-on experience. The faculty, comprising recognized leaders in pediatric surgery, actively participate not only in patient care but in the education and development of future pediatric surgeons.The program emphasizes a culture of support, with a team of 16 advanced practice clinicians allowing fellows to maintain focus on complex clinical problems and educational priorities. The opportunity to perform common procedures independently during the second year is a significant aspect of the fellowship, hence fostering early autonomy.
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
The application process for the fellowship is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), allowing a streamlined approach for applicants. The program is competitive, welcoming applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including DOs and international medical graduates. Applicants should note that there are prerequisites regarding graduation years and successful performance on relevant examinations.The program provides visa support and is capable of sponsoring both J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible foreign applicants, thus promoting an international cohort of trainees.
Living in Salt Lake City
Living in Salt Lake City has its advantages not only because it's surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty but also due to its vibrant community and accessibility to numerous outdoor recreational activities. Known as the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” the region provides opportunities for skiing and hiking, making it an attractive location for those who appreciate the outdoors while pursuing their medical careers.Website
Director
Brian T Bucher, MD, MSProgram Director Appointed Since August 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
11XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Salt Lake City, UT
- Crime Rate and Safety: Salt Lake City has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major U.S. cities. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, it's advisable to take precautions, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities thanks to its proximity to mountains and national parks. Residents can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The city also has cultural attractions like museums, theaters, and a vibrant dining scene.
- Climate: Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with snowfall in winter and warm temperatures in summer.
- Races and Population: Salt Lake City has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
- Education: Salt Lake City offers excellent educational opportunities with top-ranked schools and universities in the area. Residents have access to quality education from elementary school through higher education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Salt Lake City is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs, utilities, and groceries are generally affordable, although prices have been increasing in recent years.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Salt Lake City is a few hours' drive away from larger urban centers like Las Vegas (about 6 hours), Denver (about 8 hours), and Phoenix (about 10 hours). This allows residents to take weekend trips to explore these cities.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse population, good educational options, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Cold winters, potential air quality issues, some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates.
Interview Questions
