Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The Residency in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital & Long Island Jewish Medical Center (NS/LIJ) is a prestigious six-year integrated training program that selects three residents per year. This program is designed to provide extensive exposure to both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, facilitating a comprehensive learning experience across a variety of clinical settings.

Residents participate in rotations through the four tertiary hospitals within the Northwell Health system, including Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, Cohen Children's Medical Center, and others. This diverse environment allows residents to engage with an array of faculty, patients, and complex clinical scenarios, thereby enriching their educational experience 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program’s structure ensures that residents are integrated into plastic surgery from the first year of training, beginning with six months focused on plastic surgery during their intern year. In the subsequent years, residents continue to deepen their involvement, with the second year comprising eight months dedicated to plastic surgery service, transitioning to full-time plastic surgery residency from the fourth year onward.

Rotational experience encompasses several specialized areas, such as:

• General plastic surgery, including complex oncologic reconstruction at LIJ.
• Pediatric craniofacial procedures at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
• Trauma experience at North Shore University Hospital’s level I trauma center, where residents treat injuries involving the lower extremities, hand, and face.
• Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries at hospitals such as Jacobi Medical Center, Staten Island University Hospital, and Glen Cove Hospital.

The curriculum is complemented by regular educational conferences, including morbidity and mortality discussions, hand surgery conferences, and journal clubs that enhance the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for mastery in plastic and reconstructive surgery 1.

Research Opportunities

Engagement in clinical research is an integral part of the residency. Residents are encouraged to collaborate with clinical research assistants and scholars to develop and implement project ideas. The program holds regular research meetings to foster innovation and learning within the field 1.

Application Process

The program welcomes applications from both U.S. and international medical school graduates. Applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and submit an additional application via the Central Application (Plastic Surgery Common Application). Required documents include three letters of recommendation from plastic surgery faculty and an ECFMG status report for international graduates 3. Applicants should be mindful of a limited number of allowed failed STEP exams, generally not exceeding one 3.

Visa Support

The program offers comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates. It typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that international applicants can navigate the immigration process smoothly. This feature enhances the program's accessibility for diverse candidates, fostering a multicultural training environment that enriches the learning experience for all residents 3.

Competitiveness and Cohort

The residency is recognized as highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. This competitive nature ensures a high caliber of residents, all committed to excelling in the field of plastic surgery 2.

Resident Life and Support

The program emphasizes supporting resident well-being through various wellness initiatives. Northwell Health provides mental health resources, community engagement opportunities, and a collaborative environment aimed at fostering both professional growth and personal wellness. Extracurricular activities organized by the Resident and Fellow Association contribute to a supportive community among trainees 7.

Benefits and Compensation

The program offers competitive salaries along with a comprehensive benefits package, including health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off (PTO). Residents are entitled to 20 days of PTO each year, ensuring adequate downtime for personal health and rejuvenation 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell enhances the residency experience with access to cutting-edge medical research facilities and academic resources. The program's affiliation with a wide range of hospitals across diverse urban and suburban settings allows for a broad spectrum of clinical exposure, fostering well-rounded training for future plastic surgeons 6.