Virginia Mason Franciscan Health/St Joseph's Hospital Program

St. Joseph Hospital, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is dedicated to building healthier communities in Tacoma, Washington, through its General Surgery Residency Program, which began in June 2019. This ACGME-accredited five-year residency offers a comprehensive experience aimed at improving community access to surgical care while developing skilled surgeons. Residents engage closely with attending surgeons, receiving progressively advanced exposure to operative procedures throughout their training.

The residency program provides a broad general surgery experience alongside focused exposure to various surgical subspecialties, including but not limited to:

• Bariatrics
• Breast
• Colorectal
• Endocrine
• ENT
• Gastroenterology
• Hepatobiliary
• Minimally invasive
• Pancreatic
• Pediatric
• Thoracic
• Transplantation
• Trauma
• Urology
• Vascular

Located in the scenic Tacoma area, residents will spend a significant amount of their time in an environment known for its outdoor parks and family-friendly attractions, such as Point Defiance Park, zoos, and various museums. This setting enhances both the professional and personal well-being of residents during their training years. Tacoma is characterized by its rich cultural landscape and community spirit, providing both leisure and educational opportunities outside of the clinical setting.

The General Surgery Residency Program at St. Joseph Hospital ensures that each resident receives a comprehensive benefits package to aid their transition and success during residency. This includes a competitive salary, meal stipends, free parking, educational funds for continued medical education, reimbursement for medical licenses and DEA, and various other financial support resources.

The residency emphasizes wellness and support for residents during their training. The core values of the program include compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration. Residents are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to quality improvement projects within the hospital, reflecting the program’s commitment to community health.

The structure of the residency enables residents of various backgrounds to thrive, as it is known to be friendly to both DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMG) up to a certain extent. While there are specific requirements regarding eligibility, the program aims to nurture a diverse group of residents committed to pursuing excellence in surgical education.

Specific application requirements include the submission of a completed ERAS application, personal statement, medical school transcripts, USMLE Step 1 and 2 transcripts and/or COMLEX Level 1 and 2-CE, and completion of ACLS certification before the start of residency. It is also recommended that applicants engage in a sub-internship experience, particularly U.S. medical students, to enhance their application.

Visa Support

The program supports visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, allowing for a broader range of applicants. Those seeking residency positions at St. Joseph Hospital may qualify for various visa types, depending on their individual situations.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the residency program, encouraging residents to engage in quality improvement initiatives and other scholarly activities to meet patient needs. The residents have had notable successes, including presentations at major conferences, which reflect the program's dedication to academic excellence.

Training Environment

The training environment at St. Joseph’s encompasses a multidisciplinary approach and adheres to a mission of holistic education. Residents not only learn surgical techniques but are also prepared to handle the broader implications of healthcare delivery, community health needs, and emergent situations within the surgical field.

In summary, the General Surgery Residency Program at St. Joseph Hospital offers an integrative training experience enriched with educational opportunities, dedicated mentorship, and community engagement. This program is ideal for those who are looking to make a meaningful impact in surgical care while developing lifelong professional relationships and personal wellbeing.