St. Mary Medical Center Program

At Nazareth Hospital, the General Surgery Residency Program offers an immersive and comprehensive surgical training environment designed to prepare residents for independent practice upon graduation. The program is committed to providing an outstanding learning experience through a structured curriculum, diverse rotations, and extensive clinical exposure across various surgical specialties.

Program Structure

The General Surgery Residency at Nazareth Hospital spans five years, broken down as follows:

• PGY-1: Includes 6 months in General Surgery, 3 months in Cardiothoracic/General Surgery (St Mary Medical Center), 2 months in subspecialty services (Vascular, ENT, Plastics, Breast), and 1 month in ICU.
• PGY-2: Involves 6 months in General Surgery, 3 months in subspecialty services, 2 months in ICU, and 1 month in Pediatric Surgery (St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children).
• PGY-3: Residents spend 6 months in General Surgery, 3 months in subspecialty services, 2 months in Cardiothoracic/General Surgery (St Mary Medical Center), and 1 month in Transplant Surgery (Thomas Jefferson University Hospital).
• PGY-4: This year includes 4 months in General Surgery, 5 months in Cardiothoracic/General Surgery (St Mary Medical Center), 1 month in Trauma Surgery (Penn Presbyterian Medical Center), 1 month in subspecialty services, and 1 month of elective.
• PGY-5: Dedicated entirely to General Surgery to reinforce autonomy and clinical decision-making skills.

Weekly conference schedules include lectures based on the SCORE curriculum, Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Discussions, Journal Clubs, and Skills Labs to reinforce resident education and prepare them for board certification and independent practice.

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Clinical Rotations

The program emphasizes broad-based clinical training through rotations in various surgical subspecialties that take place within Nazareth Hospital and associated institutions. Rotational experiences include:

• Pediatric Surgery: At St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
• Trauma Surgery: At Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
• Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery: At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
• Endocrine Surgery: At St. Mary Medical Center

This diverse experience ensures that residents are well-equipped to handle both straightforward and complex surgical pathologies by the time they graduate.

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Research and Scholarship

Engagement in research is an integral part of the residency at Nazareth Hospital. The faculty encourages residents to pursue various scholarship projects that may include case reports, quality improvement (QI) projects, and retrospective studies aimed at publication. This emphasis on research fosters a culture of inquiry and helps residents stay current with advancements in surgical care.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

The Nazareth Hospital General Surgery Program stands out for its commitment to minimizing the stressors traditionally associated with residency training. An active mentorship model is maintained within the program, with faculty members fostering open communication and providing individualized support. Additionally, the program promotes wellness initiatives that include social outings, educational workshops, and a supportive environment to help residents manage the challenges of medical training effectively.

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Visa Support

The program is also accommodating regarding visa sponsorship. It may sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) who fulfill the application requirements, thereby ensuring access for talented candidates from around the world.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Nazareth Hospital General Surgery Residency Program is generally considered competitive, with a diverse pool of candidates, including those from international backgrounds. Specific application requirements include:

• A passing score on the USMLE or COMLEX exams
• Medical school transcript
• Dean’s letter
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation
• Demonstrated experience in U.S. healthcare systems for international applicants, along with ECFMG certification

Interviews typically occur from October to January, and the program fills two categorical and two preliminary positions each year.

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Resident Life

Life as a resident at Nazareth Hospital is designed to be enriching both professionally and personally. Residents are encouraged to build camaraderie through various social events, community gatherings, and collaborative learning sessions. The supportive environment facilitates networking among peers and mentors while promoting a balance between work and personal life.

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