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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 including general surgery, its subspecialties, and other specialties related to plastic surgery. There is also dedicated time on the plastic surgery service during this year to allow early exposure. In this capacity, residents will frequently perform admission history and physical examinations and see a wide range of clinical situations. These experiences will help the resident to develop the capacity to diagnose surgical illnesses, differentiate non-surgical issues, 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, arterial catheters, endotracheal intubation, and conscious sedation 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 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 including plastic surgery and will continue to do the majority of admission history and physical examinations and consultations. The goal is for the resident to develop sophisticated capabilities in the realm of surgical diagnosis and planning of treatment. 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 continue on the trajectory of developing excellent skills 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; the other principal goal for this year is developing advanced skills in patient care, including evaluation and development of a plan of care.

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. This year is spent entirely or almost entirely on the plastic surgery service.

At this level, the resident is expected to develop the capability of focused 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 core general plastic surgery procedures, as well as playing an integral role in advanced plastic surgery procedures, such as complex reconstruction.

PGY - IV

This year initiates the transition of focusing even more on the resident’s chosen specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery and confirming any subspecialty interests to support the application to advanced fellowship opportunities if desired. There is extensive experience in clinical reconstructive microsurgery, allowing the resident to gain progressive skills and experience in managing these complex patients prior to the final key years of training. There is also a first exposure to our dedicated aesthetic community faculty rotation to gain key skills and experience in caring for patients in the realm of aesthetic private practice.

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 and 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. The 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 the sixth and final 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 residents 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, always performing under faculty supervision. The resident will also master all challenges of postoperative care and learn to integrate preoperative planning for elective procedures.

It is mandatory for the resident to satisfactorily complete all requirements of the American Board of Plastic Surgery for admission to the certifying (written) examination, which is taken prior to graduation from their final year of residency training. The American Board of Plastic Surgery publishes these requirements in the annual booklet of Information.