Curriculum

PGY - I

Residents are expected to acquire fundamental skills in the diagnosis of surgical diseases and the establishment of therapeutic plans. Residents will function as a junior resident on multiple services and in this capacity will frequently perform admission history and physical examinations. These experiences will help the resident to develop the capacity to diagnose surgical illnesses and begin to formulate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Procedurally, the residents are expected to become facile in the performance of several procedures. Specific documentation of supervised training in placement of chest tubes, insertion of central venous catheters, endotracheal intubation, conscious sedation, and placement of Swan-Ganz catheters is required and must be documented on the provided forms. In addition, the resident is expected to begin to develop a knowledge of anatomy in the operating room and to develop polished skills in the areas of suturing, knot tying, and performance of minor surgical procedures.

PGY - II

Year two is an extension of the first year in terms of goals and responsibilities. Residents are likely to serve as junior residents on one of the multiple services and will continue to do the majority of admission history and physical examinations. The goal is for the resident to develop sophisticated capabilities in the realms of surgical diagnosis and planning of therapy. At this level, the resident is also expected to begin to develop and demonstrate competency in more sophisticated areas of patient management, such as in the intensive care unit.

Procedurally, the resident is expected to become increasingly facile in the operating room with instrument technique, including sewing and knot tying. At this level, the resident is frequently allowed to perform moderately advanced surgical procedures under supervision, but the principal goal for this year is developing skills in patient care rather than operative technique.

PGY - III

In many ways, this is the most challenging year of the residency as the resident progresses from a junior resident to senior resident status. Although rarely the most senior resident on any service, the year three resident is frequently exposed to significant responsibility on the different services.

At this level, the resident is expected to develop the capability of appropriately focusing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and to develop skills as an independent patient care-giver. In addition, at the procedural level, the resident will be expected to develop competence in planning and carrying out routine surgical procedures including but not limited to such operations as cholecystectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, and similar operations.

PGY - IV

This year initiates the transition of focusing in on the resident’s chosen specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery. During this year, the resident is able to gain an in-depth knowledge of basic science and clinical research in order to critically evaluate and apply the relevant literature to the practice of plastic surgery. There is also an extensive exposure to basic microsurgical skills in the laboratory initially, followed by an extended experience in clinical reconstructive microsurgery allowing the resident to gain progressive skills and experience in managing these complex patients prior to the senior years.

This year also incorporates subspecialty training in areas specifically applicable to plastic surgery including ophthalmology, dermatology, and oral/maxillofacial surgery. By the end of this year, the resident should have a good grasp of the wide scope of problems evaluated and managed by the plastic surgeon be well versed in the team approach to patient management.

PGY - V

At this level, the resident is expected to develop the ability to independently diagnose, to order appropriate diagnostic studies, and to formulate differential diagnosis and treatment plans for plastic surgery patients. By the end of the year the resident should be fully competent in independent management of routine plastic surgery patients in terms of diagnosis and patient management. By the end of the year, the plastic surgery resident should also be capable of performing many plastic surgery procedures with minimal assistance and guidance and should be judged ready to continue on to fifth year where more complex and advanced plastic surgical procedures are performed.

PGY - VI

During this year the resident is given the responsibility of being the Chief Resident. This will include supervising the junior plastic surgery resident, overseeing the UMC Burn Clinic on Wednesday, organizing the schedule, and developing skills to operate and manage patients independently. This year will allow the resident to master all aspects of plastic surgery and gain the confidence to become an independent plastic surgeon. This will be performed under faculty supervision. The resident will also master all challenges of postoperative care.

It is mandatory for the resident to satisfactorily complete all requirements of the American Board of Plastic Surgery for admission to the Certifying Examination. The American Board of Plastic Surgery publishes these requirements.