Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is designed to prepare residents for future careers in general surgery, subspecialty surgery, or academic medicine. This comprehensive five-year program is highly esteemed and allows residents to gain extensive experience, equipping them to become surgical leaders in the future. The program has maintained its accreditation and prepares seven categorical chief residents annually.

Training Environment

Residents practice at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, which performs over 8,000 surgeries each year. This experience allows residents to complete more than 1,000 surgical cases by graduation, obtaining early and level-appropriate operative experience. The program ensures diverse surgical training, encompassing innovative techniques, robotics, and minimally invasive approaches. Residents also engage in complex surgical management for pediatric, trauma, and surgical oncology patients.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes extensive hands-on educational experiences in various surgical domains. Typical activities within the program include daily rounds, operating room (OR) duties, and participation in quality and educational conferences. For example, a PGY1 resident’s daily schedule may consist of sign-out at 5:30 AM, followed by rounds at 6 AM and OR involvement from 7 AM onward, in rotating responsibilities that escalate with experience.

Additionally, the program integrates Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives into training. Residents engage in projects and utilize institutions' data sources like the National Quality Surgical Improvement Program (NSQIP). This commitment to quality ensures that residents develop the necessary skills for performance improvement in surgical practices 1.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role in the residency experience, offering opportunities for funded research through the Howard Holt Bradshaw Fellowship. Residents are encouraged to participate in various research initiatives with institutions such as the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Surgical Oncology department offers several clinical trials and data-driven studies to enhance surgical practices and patient outcomes 2.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty at Wake Forest is dedicated to providing an outstanding educational experience, emphasizing mentorship and guidance. Residents benefit from the collaborative environment where faculty engage with trainees in a manner that nurtures their development as future surgeons. The program encourages residents to identify mentors organically, which fosters strong professional relationships necessary for growth in surgical competence 3.

Application Competitiveness

The General Surgery Residency Program is highly competitive, attracting applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including students from both MD and DO programs, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Applicants should be aware of specific application requirements, including a preference for candidates who graduated within a certain timeline and the maximum allowable attempts on Step exams. Additionally, candidates are evaluated on their clinical experiences, letters of recommendation, and other academic achievements.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 visas, which enables eligible international medical graduates to apply for residency positions.

Training Facilities

Residents have access to specialized training facilities, including the Surgical Skills Lab and the Mock Operating Room. These facilities are designed to enhance surgical skills through immersive experiences featuring high-fidelity simulations and advanced instructional technologies. Such resources are vital for developing technical and cognitive competencies essential for surgical practice. The program places a strong emphasis on simulated learning to ensure adequate preparation for real surgical procedures 4.

Community and Resident Life

Winston-Salem, where the program is located, offers a vibrant community for both personal and professional development. Residents often reflect positively on their experiences within the program, highlighting both the support from peers and faculty and the opportunities for engaging community activities. The city boasts various recreational options, benefiting residents' general wellbeing 5.

This General Surgery Residency Program continues to produce competent, confident surgeons who are well-equipped to enter diverse practice environments or pursue further subspecialty training through one of the numerous fellowships available post-residency.