University of Utah Health Program

Overview of the Program

The Plastic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Utah offers an integrated six-year training pathway that encompasses a broad spectrum of surgical education. Residents engage in training during the first three years across various surgical specialties, including general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, and burn surgery. The subsequent years focus on concentrated plastic surgery rotations, providing extensive experience in both adult and pediatric plastic surgery.

The residency is structured around rotations at key clinical sites including the University of Utah Hospital (which houses the Huntsman Cancer Hospital), Primary Children’s Hospital, and the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. The integrated approach ensures that, over the course of the training, residents progressively assume greater responsibilities reflected in their increasing caseloads.

Curriculum

The program comprises comprehensive rotations through various medical and surgical specialties during the first three years, followed by specialized training in plastic surgery over the last three years. In the integrated program, residents typically participate in three operative days and two clinic days per week during adult surgical rotations, while pediatric rotations at Primary Children’s Hospital include three to four operative days and one to two clinic days.

Training objectives include building proficiency in skin grafting, flap surgery, reconstructive techniques, and the management of traumatic injuries along with aesthetic procedures. Residents participate actively in surgical cases, engaging in pre-operative planning, and post-operative care, ensuring full-spectrum exposure to plastic surgery.

Rotations

Throughout the residency, clinical training is spread across the University of Utah Medical Center, Primary Children's Hospital, and the VA Medical Center, which offers differing patient demographics and surgical challenges. The trauma experiences at these institutions are particularly valuable, given their status as Level 1 trauma centers.

Residents gain knowledge in a wide range of procedures, including adult reconstruction in breast, upper and lower extremities, and facial revisions, as well as pediatric craniofacial and congenital surgery. The inclusive nature of the rotations ensures that residents reach competency across diverse surgical techniques and patient populations.

Research Opportunities

The residency encourages participation in research projects, and residents have access to numerous research resources and laboratories affiliated with the Department of Surgery. This includes opportunities for both clinical and basic science research. Engaging in research can enhance residents’ educational experience and publishable work, which is significantly supported by faculty mentorship.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Utah's Plastic Surgery Residency has several unique features:

• Resident Cosmetic Clinic: Senior residents participate in their own cosmetic clinic, allowing them to manage cases directly from consultation through post-operative follow-up, thus enhancing their understanding and proficiency in cosmetic procedures.
• Global Surgery Missions: Residents are encouraged to participate in surgical mission trips, which provide international experiences, enhancing their skill set while serving underserved populations globally.
• Wellness and Support Systems: The program focuses on resident wellness, providing designated call rooms and wellness spaces for rest and recovery during grueling on-call duties.
• Gender Affirming Surgery Training: As part of its comprehensive care approach, the program includes gender affirming surgeries, ensuring residents receive education in this increasingly relevant aspect of plastic surgery.

Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements

The Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Utah is known for its competitive nature, matching three residents into the integrated program each year. However, the program is also recognized for being friendly to both DO and IMG applicants, improving their chances of acceptance into the residency.

Application requirements include completion of an MD or DO degree from an accredited institution, and candidates must comply with the specific prerequisites established by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Residents must demonstrate a strong performance in USMLE or COMLEX examinations; scores are evaluated holistically, with particular emphasis placed on the STEP scores and prior clinical experience.

Visa Support

The University of Utah provides visa support for international medical graduates. The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, helping to facilitate the participation of qualified candidates from around the globe in its residency program.

Application Process

For the integrated program, applicants apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The program encourages applicants to submit a well-rounded application, including strong letters of recommendation, a personal statement about their interests in plastic surgery, and robust clinical experiences. Interviews typically occur in December and January.