Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program

Portland, OR
Specialty: Plastic Surgery
ACGME Code: 3624000148

The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Program in Plastic Surgery – Integrated offers a comprehensive training platform for medical graduates aiming to specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This integrated program focuses on a cohesive clinical experience, providing residents with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the OHSU Plastic Surgery Program is meticulously designed to ensure residents achieve a robust understanding of both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Over the course of the residency, trainees participate in a structured educational framework that combines core lectures, hands-on surgical skills training, and interactive case discussions.

Rotations

Residents will undergo various rotations that cover essential subspecialties within plastic surgery, including but not limited to craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, burn surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery. These rotations occur in diverse clinical settings, allowing residents to interact with a broad patient population and learn from experienced faculty. The program emphasizes the importance of both inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to different aspects of patient management.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the program, with opportunities for residents to engage in academic pursuits that advance the field of plastic surgery. The faculty encourages residents to explore innovative solutions through clinical trials, laboratory work, or epidemiological studies. Additionally, residents are encouraged to present their findings at national meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Unique Aspects of the Program

OHSU’s program is notable for its commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration and mentorship. Faculty members are deeply invested in the personal and professional development of each resident. Moreover, the program offers unique access to cutting-edge surgical techniques and technologies, as residents frequently utilize advanced imaging and simulation tools during training.

Training Sites

The training sites for the residency include OHSU Hospital and other affiliated clinical facilities, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. These centers allow residents to gain experience in a variety of surgical procedures across different patient demographics and surgical complexities. The program also promotes community outreach, allowing residents to participate in clinics and workshops that support underserved populations.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The OHSU Plastic Surgery Program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates. The program is able to sponsor J-1 visas, which allows residents to complete their training while adhering to immigration regulations. This support is critical as it opens opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to join the residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The OHSU Plastic Surgery Program is regarded as highly competitive, attracting a strong pool of applicants from both U.S. and international medical schools. Candidates must demonstrate a solid academic background and relevant clinical experiences. Special application requirements may include a maximum limit on failed STEP exams, and a focus on successful completion of core clinical rotations in surgery and medicine by the time of application.

Conclusion

Overall, the OHSU Program in Plastic Surgery – Integrated stands out for its rigorous training, emphasis on research and innovation, collaborative environment, and commitment to diversity through international medical graduate sponsorship.

Director

Lori Howell, MD
Attending, Associate Professor, Program Director

Coordinators

Amanda Kotsovos
Residency Coordinator
(503) 494-4695
Lizzandra Trueba-Mejas
Lizzandra Trueba-Mejas
(503) 494-8652

Program

Program size
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 (6 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2026

Training

Fellowship Rate: 56%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio: 2.2X

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 80 hours
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours
First Year Salary: $70 509
First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 15 days

Admission

Visa Sponsorship: F1, H1B, J1
YOG Cutoff: 3

Match History

Track: 1599362C0
2025
3 of 3
2024
3 of 3
2023
3 of 3
2022
3 of 3
2021
2 of 2
2020
3 of 3

Location

Portland, OR
Population
652 503
Income
$77 719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
38
Housing - Rental Prices
Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Rate per 100,000 Residents

Living in Portland, OR

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Portland has a mix of safe neighborhoods and areas with higher crime rates. Like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
  • Fun Activities: Portland is known for its vibrant food scene, craft breweries, outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and cultural events such as music and art festivals.
  • Climate: Portland has a mild climate with plenty of rain and moderate temperatures. Summers are generally dry and warm, while winters are wet and cool.
  • Races and Population: Portland is known for its diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to its rich cultural scene.
  • Education: Portland offers quality education with schools and universities known for their academic excellence.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Portland can be moderate to high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities: Seattle, WA is approximately 3 hours away by car from Portland, offering a larger urban center with more amenities and job opportunities.
  • Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities, diverse population.
  • Cons: Higher cost of living, mixed safety ratings in different neighborhoods.
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