Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program in Colon and Rectal Surgery provides a comprehensive training experience focused on the clinical and surgical management of conditions affecting the colon and rectum. Located in St. Louis, this program is designed to equip residents with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful practice in this specialized field.

Program Overview

The consortium is composed of three key facilities that are situated on the "Kingshighway campus," all within immediate walking distance, facilitating a collaborative learning environment. The program emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and offers extensive exposure to various aspects of colon and rectal surgery.

Curriculum

The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover all essential areas of colon and rectal surgery. It includes a variety of educational formats, such as lectures, hands-on training, and case discussions, allowing residents to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Comprehensive surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches.
• Management of complex colorectal conditions.
• Oncology-focused rotations to address colorectal cancer.
• Preparation for board examinations with targeted review sessions.

Rotations

Residents participate in diverse clinical rotations across the consortium’s facilities. Each rotation focuses on different subspecialties within colon and rectal surgery, allowing residents to gain broad experience. Rotations typically include:

• General Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Colorectal Surgery
• Research and academic rotations

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research to advance the field of colon and rectal surgery. Dedicated research time is integrated into the residency, allowing residents to collaborate with faculty on innovative projects. Areas of research include:

• Clinical outcomes and quality of care studies
• Development of new surgical techniques
• Basic science research related to colorectal diseases

Training Sites

Training occurs at three primary institutions known for their leading healthcare services: Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Each site offers unique resources and patient populations, enhancing the training experience.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The types of visas that can be sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, supporting the entry of qualified applicants into the program who require sponsorship to complete their residency training.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program in Colon and Rectal Surgery is known for its highly competitive nature, attracting a diverse range of applicants from various medical backgrounds. The program welcomes both MD and DO graduates and is generally considered friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs).

Applicants should be mindful of special application requirements, including:

• A limited number of failed Step exams may be taken into consideration, with a maximum of one failure generally accepted.
• Graduation from medical school within a specific timeframe may be a factor in the selection process.

Overall, this residency program provides an enriching and rigorous training environment for those aspiring to specialize in colon and rectal surgery.