Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine Program in PlasticSurgery – Integrated provides an extensive and rigorous educationalexperience designed to develop the academic plastic surgeons of thefuture. This program stands out due to its dual focus on bothaesthetic and reconstructive surgery, allowing residents to gainunparalleled operative independence throughout their training.

Program Structure

The program is structured into two ACGME-accredited tracks: athree-year independent program and a six-year integrated program.Both tracks are tailored to prepare residents for boardcertification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ultimatelyensuring a robust and well-rounded educationalexperience.1

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses not only hands-on surgical training butalso valuable didactic education. Residents have access to adiverse range of clinical experiences across eight differentclinical sites within the Emory University healthcare system,including a free-standing aesthetic center, a level-1 traumacenter, and specialized pediatric hospitals.1

Rotations

Residents participate in clinical rotations that involve a mixtureof routine and complex cases. The exposure to varied surgicalprocedures from different specialties within plastic surgery equipsresidents with the skills necessary to manage an array of caseseffectively. The program prides itself on the volume and complexityof cases available, making it the only program of its kind inGeorgia.1

Research Opportunities

Research plays a critical role in the education of residents atEmory. The program has a rich tradition of contributions to plasticsurgery literature through groundbreaking research, encouragingresidents to engage in clinical and laboratory research projects.Such experiences enhance their understanding of evidence-basedapproaches in plastic surgery.4

Training Sites

Clinical training occurs at several notable institutions, ensuringa rich educational experience. Residents rotate through multiplehospitals, benefiting from the diverse patient populations anddisease pathologies. Rotating through these various sites allowsresidents to learn from a broad spectrum of clinicians and improvetheir adaptability and knowledge in differentenvironments.1

Faculty

The program’s faculty consists of seasoned experts in the field ofplastic and reconstructive surgery. Residents benefit greatly fromthe mentorship and guidance provided by these experiencedclinicians, all of whom are actively involved in teaching anddeveloping the residents’ skills.5

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medicalgraduates. The specific visas sponsored typically include the J-1and H-1B visas, providing opportunities for qualified candidatesfrom abroad to apply.

Application Requirements

For applications to the Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency,candidates must ideally hold a medical degree from an institutionaccredited by the LCME or the AOA, and have completed the requisitemedical exams including passing USMLE Step 1 and registered forStep 2 by the end of the first year. The program values a holisticadmission process considering clinical experiences, letters ofrecommendation, and academic achievements. Applications areaccepted through the ERAS system, with a deadline that typicallyfalls at the end of September.8

Competitiveness

The Emory Plastic Surgery Residency Program is highly competitive,welcoming qualified candidates from U.S. medical schools, as wellas osteopathic and international medical graduates. To remain astrong contender, applicants should have a solid academic record,outstanding letters of recommendation, and substantial clinicalexperiences, particularly related to surgery andaesthetics.7

Conclusion

Choosing a residency is one of the most critical decisions for amedical professional. The Emory University Plastic SurgeryResidency Program offers a comprehensive, supportive, andchallenging environment that is uniquely positioned to develop thenext generation of leaders in plastic surgery.