Clinical Experience
PGY-1
The first year consists of twelve one-month rotations on these services:
- Breast Disease/Surgical Oncology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Emergency Department
- Colorectal Surgery and Transplantation Surgery
- General Surgery (VAMC)
- Intensive Care Unit
- Otolaryngology
- Plastic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Night Emergency Trauma
- Urology
- Vascular Surgery
PGY-2
The first two years of the program are designed to give each resident the basis for a final choice in a surgical career and a foundation of knowledge and experience upon which to build subsequent training. It is expected that upon completion of this two-year core, residents will have acquired considerable skill and confidence in the management of critically ill patients and facility in basic surgical techniques.
The second year consists of six two-month rotations on these services:
- Cardiothoracic
- General Surgery-Community-Based (Concord)
- General Surgery-Laparoscopic
- ICU
- Trauma Surgery
- Night Emergency Trauma
PGY-3
The four residents continuing in the five-year General Surgery Program receive training in Pediatric Surgery in addition to extensive exposure to the traditional areas of General Surgery, including endoscopy and colorectal surgery.
The third year consists of six two month rotations on these services:
- Endoscopy
- General Surgery (VAMC)
- General Surgery-Community-based (Concord)
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
Depending on funding sources, the opportunity for one or two years of full-time research is offered following the third year of the General Surgery Program. Re-entry at the fourth-year level is provided following the completion of the research period.
PGY-4
In the fourth year, the Senior Residents assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of the inpatient services of several attending physicians on each of the four Surgical Services at DHMC. In addition, residents will be provided additional exposure to Transplant, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery.
The four 3-month long rotations include:
- Vascular Surgery
- Transplant Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Night Emergency Trauma
PGY-5
During the fifth year of the program, the four Chief Residents have responsibility for:
- General Surgery Consult (Trauma) Service
- General Surgery Breast Disease/Surgical Oncology
- General Surgery/Transplant Program/Colorectal Surgery
In addition to an elective practice of variety and substance, the Chief Residents virtually manage all urgent and trauma problems in the Center. The three-month rotations cover:
- General Surgery-Consult (Trauma)
- Breast Disease/Surgical Oncology
- General Surgery-Transplant/Colorectal
- Flex Time*
*Flex time will be provided during the fifth year to allow chief residents increased time in a resident’s selected area of interest.
