Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital/St. Louis Children’s Hospital Consortium Program in Surgery offers a comprehensive general surgery residency that combines innovative educational practices with a commitment to training future leaders in academic surgery. The program has a robust curriculum that focuses on personalized training and extensive clinical exposure, enabling residents to develop the skills necessary to excel in their surgical careers.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum emphasizes a modern approach to surgical training, moving beyond the traditional "See One, Do One, Teach One" model. The integration of a surgical skills and simulation lab allows residents to refine their skills at their own pace before engaging in real-time surgical procedures. This process includes early specialization through flexible training pathways, which help residents focus on their individual surgical interests 1.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The residency program incorporates a diverse range of clinical experiences across various institutions. Residents rotate through the tertiary care environment of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the specialized pediatric care at St. Louis Children's Hospital, and a busy VA medical center. These rotations provide exposure to a high volume of surgical cases, covering essential areas such as trauma, oncology, and elective surgery, ensuring residents receive a broad and deep clinical education throughout their training 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program's Flexibility in Surgical Training (FIST) initiative allows residents to customize up to 12 months of their final residency period towards specific subspecialties. Subspecialties available through the FIST program include Acute Care Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Transplantation, and Vascular Surgery, among others 1. Additionally, the program offers international surgery opportunities, where residents can participate in rotations at locations like Mzuzu Central Hospital in Malawi, providing invaluable global health experiences 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a crucial component of the training at Washington University, with a strong emphasis on scholarly activity. The program provides residents with access to numerous research opportunities across a variety of surgical disciplines. Additionally, residents can pursue advanced degrees, such as a Masters in Population Health Sciences, with financial support from the institution 1.

Learning Environment and Mentorship

The program prides itself on fostering a collegial and supportive learning environment. Each resident is assigned to a mentorship team that includes senior residents and faculty, offering guidance and support throughout the training process. Regular meetings with assigned mentors and program leadership ensure that residents can discuss their progression, challenges, and career aspirations 1.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for the program is competitive, as it is ranked highly among surgical residency programs nationally. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, particularly in the USMLE examinations, with a preference for passing scores on the first attempt. All candidates must submit a comprehensive application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), inclusive of Medical School Transcripts, a Dean’s letter, and three letters of recommendation from American Board of Surgery-certified surgeons 1.

Visa Support

The program typically sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs), although sponsorship of H-1B or F-1 Visa candidates may be available on a case-by-case basis. Applicants requiring visa sponsorship are encouraged to contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for more information on the necessary steps 1.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all residents. Efforts include active recruitment and support for underrepresented groups in medicine, mentorship programs, and DEI training within the department. These initiatives aim to promote an atmosphere where all residents feel welcomed and respected, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience 1.

Competitiveness of the Program

The program is known for its high level of competitiveness, receiving applications from a vast pool of candidates, including international medical graduates. While strong USMLE scores are encouraged, the program employs a holistic review process that considers a variety of applicant strengths beyond test scores. This approach aims to understand each candidate's unique experiences and contributions to the program 1.