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.
2Didactic 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.
4Simulation 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.
5Visa 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.
6Competitiveness 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.
7Educational 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.
8Website
Director
Gazi B Zibari, MDProgram Director (Transplant Surgery) & Department Chair Appointed Since September 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$58,262First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
10 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
214Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
5Match History
2313440C0
2024
3 of 32023
3 of 32022
3 of 32021
3 of 32020
3 of 3Location
Shreveport, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Shreveport, LA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Shreveport has a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. While some neighborhoods may be safer than others, it's important to take necessary precautions.
- Fun Activities: Shreveport offers a variety of entertainment options, including casinos, music festivals, museums, and outdoor activities along the Red River.
- Climate: Shreveport has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Shreveport is a diverse city with a mix of different racial and ethnic groups, creating a vibrant cultural scene.
- Education: Shreveport is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Shreveport is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Shreveport is approximately a 3-hour drive away from Dallas, Texas. Dallas offers a wide range of amenities and cultural attractions that residents can enjoy on weekends or for day trips.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural scene, proximity to larger cities.
- Cons: Moderate crime rate, high humidity in summer.
Interview Questions
