Wellstar Health System/Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Program

General Surgery Residency Overview

The General Surgery Residency at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center provides a robust, team-based training experience in one of Georgia's most advanced hospitals. The program possesses a rich history, with surgical training beginning in 1940, and has produced over a hundred practicing surgeons since its inception. The program is led by Program Director, Dr. Daniella B. Kington, MD, FACS, who emphasizes the importance of early operative experience and graduated autonomy for residents.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents participate in a detailed curriculum designed to provide comprehensive training through a variety of rotations:

• PGY-1 Rotations: Include Trauma Surgery, Emergency General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Surgical ICU, General Surgery, and Burn Surgery with an emphasis on night float during trauma surgery.
• PGY-2 Rotations: Focus on Surgical ICU, Emergency General Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, and Transplant Surgery, including night float responsibilities.
• PGY-3 Rotations: Cover Emergency General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Minimally Invasive Surgery, enhancing surgical skills in complex cases.
• PGY-4 Rotations: Involve Trauma Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Surgical Oncology, and opportunities in various specialty surgeries.
• PGY-5 Rotations: Primarily in Emergency General Surgery and General Surgery at various facilities.

Residents also engage in a dedicated robotics curriculum with all graduating residents earning an equivalency certificate in robotic surgery.1

Didactics

Residents have access to a structured didactic program that includes:

• Daily morning sign-outs tailored by rotation.
• Weekly morbidity and mortality discussions.
• Monthly journal clubs and hands-on simulation training.
• Comprehensive training using ultrasound and various surgical techniques, ensuring proficiency in minimally invasive procedures.14

Research Opportunities

Each resident is encouraged to participate in clinical research, often collaborating with the Wellstar Research Institute. They are provided with travel funds for presenting their research at national and regional conferences.14

Program Facilities

Wellstar Kennestone is notable for being the second busiest Emergency Department in Georgia, allowing residents to experience high patient volume and complexity. The hospital offers a suite of amenities, including a free gym, meal reimbursement while on call, and free parking.14

Visa Sponsorship

The program accepts applicants with valid U.S. Permanent Resident Cards or J1 visas but does not sponsor H1-B visas or any other types of visas beyond J1 visa sponsorship.14

Competitiveness and Diversity

The General Surgery Residency at Wellstar is known for being competitive yet welcoming to Diverse Origin Medical Graduates (DOMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) graduates. It encourages applicants from various backgrounds to apply, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the community it serves.14

Application Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a valid U.S. Permanent Resident card or J1 visa. They should be graduates from U.S. or Canadian medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine, or they should hold a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate. Each applicant must provide the following through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS):

• Current CV
• Dean’s letter (MSPE)
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from someone familiar with the applicant's work in surgery if possible).
• Official medical school transcripts with passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2 or COMLEX Levels 1 and 2.14

Living and Community Engagement

Wellstar Kennestone is well-positioned in Marietta, Georgia, providing a vibrant community that is both hip and family-friendly. The area is rich with activities, from local farmers markets and concerts to the nearby entertainment options at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.14

The comprehensive training, supportive environment, and commitment to professional growth make the General Surgery Residency program at Wellstar Kennestone an excellent choice for aspiring surgeons seeking a meaningful and hands-on surgical education.