Willis-Knighton Health System Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Willis-Knighton Health System is designed to equip residents with the skills and experience required to excel in their surgical careers. The program aims to train a diverse group of surgeons who deliver comprehensive, evidence-based surgical care in the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas regions. Emphasizing quality education and community service, the program integrates specific educational objectives to develop proficient and compassionate surgical leaders.

Program Aims

The mission of the program is to produce graduates who will:

• Serve a diverse patient population in the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas regions.
• Demonstrate a high level of medical knowledge, validated by board certification.
• Engage in community service initiatives that benefit the local population.

Curriculum Overview

Willis-Knighton offers a structured curriculum divided into clinical rotations across five years of training. The first-year residents will participate in foundational rotations such as:

• General Surgery/Robotics
• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma/Acute Care Surgery
• Surgical ICU
• Vascular Surgery

As residents progress to their second and third years, they will engage in more complex specialties including Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pediatric Surgery. By the fourth year, residents will have the opportunity to take on chief experiences that prepare them for independent practice.

Didactic Training

The residency program places a significant emphasis on didactic learning through a series of conferences and educational activities. This includes:

• Grand Rounds: Monthly presentations focusing on contemporary surgical challenges and innovations.
• Mortality and Morbidity conferences: Bi-weekly reviews of cases experiencing complications.
• Journal Clubs: Quarterly sessions dedicated to evidence-based medicine and its application in clinical practice.
• Simulation Training: The curriculum incorporates extensive simulation training, particularly in robotic-assisted surgery and specialty-specific techniques.

Research Opportunities

The program actively encourages research and scholarly activities, requiring each resident to complete at least three research projects during their training. Projects can vary from retrospective analyses to quality improvement initiatives. Faculty mentors will provide guidance throughout the process, facilitating collaboration on ongoing research endeavors.

Simulation Training and Technology Integration

The WKHS Innovation Center houses a state-of-the-art simulation lab that is accessible to residents 24 hours a day. This facility supports practical skills training through a structured curriculum aligned with the ACS/APDS Surgery Resident Skills Curriculum. Residents can engage in hands-on training to hone their surgical techniques before performing procedures in the operating room.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is supportive of international medical graduates and offers sponsorship for J-1 visas on a case-by-case basis for qualified applicants. This inclusion fosters a diverse environment and allows the program to benefit from a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The General Surgery Residency at Willis-Knighton exposes candidates to a holistic evaluation process. Although the program does not outline strict USMLE score requirements, candidates who pass on their first attempt are preferred. Additionally, IMGs are accepted, ideally with graduation dates no older than five years.

Each year, the program recruits three categorical positions out of a total of fifteen residents. This competitive selection process emphasizes the importance of demonstrating not only academic excellence but also a commitment to the values of the residency program.

Educational Environment and Support

The curriculum encompasses a collaborative approach, supporting not only clinical training but also active participation in teaching medical students from partnered institutions. The residents are involved in educational initiatives that prepare them for future leadership roles in medicine.