Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Florida Weston Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Florida offers an extensive and enriched training experience aimed at preparing residents for successful careers in surgery. Cleveland Clinic Florida, located in Weston, is recognized for its dedication to patient care, research, and education, building upon the Cleveland Clinic’s century-long tradition of medical excellence.

Program Overview

The program is a five-year ACGME-accredited residency, providing a robust curriculum that blends clinical practice with theoretical learning. The residency accepts six residents each year: three categorical positions and three preliminary positions. Trainees are exposed to a diverse range of surgical specialties, and the curriculum is designed to support residents in developing critical surgical skills and comprehensive medical knowledge.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured into rotations that cover varied surgical disciplines including gastrointestinal, minimally invasive, oncologic, pediatric, trauma, vascular, and thoracic surgery. Each resident participates in supervised patient care, where responsibility increases progressively based on proficiency. Educational conferences such as Grand Rounds, Core Curriculum sessions, and M&M Conferences supplement clinical learning.

Residents are expected to engage in research throughout their training, collaborating with faculty from the Digestive Disease Institute and Lerner Research Institute. This collaborative approach allows residents to present findings at national conferences and contributes to advancements in surgical treatment methods.

Rotations

During the course of the residency, trainees rotate through various surgical specialties. The in-depth exposure is critical for developing a well-rounded skillset. The departmental rotations include:

• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• General Thoracic Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Oncologic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Residents participate in outpatient care and inpatient settings, ensuring hands-on experience with a wide array of patients and surgical cases.

Research and Academics

Research is a core component of the residency program. Residents are encouraged to participate in clinical or basic science research, with opportunities to publish and present at regional and national meetings. Faculty mentors guide residents through the research process, enhancing their expertise and ensuring they are well-prepared for academic or clinical careers. The program’s affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic’s broader network offers access to a wealth of academic resources.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Cleveland Clinic Florida is committed to physician wellness. Resources are available to support resident well-being, including psychological support and mentorship programs. Additionally, regular wellness events contribute to a supportive training environment.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships. Candidates must demonstrate eligibility by completing all required documentation as per the program guidelines, including holding an ECFMG certification.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application, including:

• Current CV
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcripts
• USMLE/COMLEX Scores (with a preference for Step 1>240 and Step 2>240)
• Three Letters of Recommendation

The program typically looks for candidates who are proficient in English, with a strong background in clinical medicine and experience in US healthcare settings.

Overall, the Cleveland Clinic Florida General Surgery Residency Program offers an exceptional educational experience, backed by a strong commitment to patient care, research, and the professional development of surgical residents.