Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Program

Virginia Mason General Surgery Residency Program

The Virginia Mason General Surgery Residency Program, established in 1920, stands as the oldest accredited surgical residency in the Pacific Northwest. Situated within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, the program is renowned for its comprehensive training in a myriad of surgical disciplines, effectively preparing residents for successful careers in general surgery or further specialized fellowship training.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents engage in a five-year program that emphasizes progressive responsibility, clinical competence, and technical skill development. The core aspects of the curriculum include:

• Comprehensive Surgical Training: The program offers an extensive breadth of training, covering various surgical specialties such as colorectal, bariatric, thoracic, vascular, pediatric, and transplant surgery.
• Operative Experience: Residents benefit from early operative exposure, which facilitates skill development from the first year of training. This includes unopposed operative experiences in a tightly-knit, teamwork-oriented environment.
• Affiliations: The program collaborates closely with several prominent institutions, including Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, and Skagit Valley Regional Medical Center.

Moreover, a robust robotics curriculum is included, promoting advanced practices and techniques essential for modern surgical procedures.

Research Opportunities

Virginia Mason greatly emphasizes research as a crucial component of surgical education. All residents are required to engage in scholarly activities, with diverse funding mechanisms available to support research endeavors. The program features:

• Annual Invited Lectures: Notable lectures from distinguished surgeons that enhance knowledge and foster discussions on innovative surgical practices.
• Dedicated Research Year: An optional research year is available, allowing residents to explore interests pertinent to their future career trajectories while still benefiting from full resident status and benefits.
• Support for National Grant Applications: Faculty mentorship and support for residents seeking funding and resources for their projects.

Residents often participate in local, national, and international conferences to present their research, with travel expenses subsidized by the Graduate Medical Education department.

Training Environment

The program prides itself on its resident-centric culture, ensuring that training occurs in a supportive, collegial environment. Feedback from current residents highlights the significance of camaraderie and mentorship from faculty members. This culture strives to produce driven, compassionate surgeons capable of meeting the complexities of modern surgical practice.

Application Process and Requirements

The residency program at Virginia Mason is highly competitive, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Noteworthy aspects of the application process include:

• Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS): All candidates must submit their application through this system, where a holistic review of applications is conducted.
• Special Application Requirements: The program has specific criteria that candidates must meet, such as graduation year and acceptable exam performance. Interested individuals should refer to the comprehensive details when preparing their applications.
• Visa Support: The program offers sponsorship for various visa types, facilitating international applicants’ participation in the residency.

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Virginia Mason receive a competitive salary along with several additional benefits, including:

• Annual stipends varying by year of residency (PGY1–PGY5).
• Meal stipends and support for educational resources.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance options.
• Vacations and allowances for appropriate time off for conferences and personal wellness.
• Assistance with relocation expenses for residents moving to Seattle.

Living in Seattle

Seattle is known for its vibrant culture, access to extensive outdoor activities, and a warm community atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place for residents to live and work.