1. General Surgery & You

2. 2011 Statistics Some interesting facts: 31 more spots than 2010.
SURGERY
# of positions
# filled
U.S. Senior
U.S. Grad
Osteo.
Canadian
U.S. IMG
Non U.S. IMG
# unfilled prg
1108
1106
897 73 98 52 56 2
Some interesting facts:
31 more spots than 2010.
81% of spots filled by U.S. allopathic seniors
4.5 Ranked applicants per position needed to fill all positions within programs (compared to 4.4 in 2010)
0- 5th pathway applicant *

3. Independent Applicants
2011-Stats
Measure
U.S. Seniors
Independent Applicants
Matched (n=830)
Unmatched (n=205)
Matched (n=192)
Unmatched (n=529)
Mean # of Ranks
11.2
5.9
6.1
2.7
Mean # Specialties Ranked 1
1.1
1.3
Mean USMLE Step 1
227
207
219
Mean USMLE Step 2
238
216
232
222
Mean # Research Projects
2.6
2.3
2.1
1.7
Mean # abstracts/publications
3.3
2.5
4.1
3.9
Mean # work experiences
2.8
3.2
Mean # volunteer experiences
6.2
4.3
3.6
Percentage who are AOA members
13.1
1.0
n/a
Percentage graduated from Top 40 med school 32
24.4
Percentage with PhD degree
2.2
2.4
Percentage with other graduate degree
15.6

4. Rotations/Electives 1.) Make sure you rotate in Surgery
Work Hard
Shelf Exam
Evaluations
2.) Electives—Do early (Blocks B-D)
Sub I
TICU
Research *

5. UB Faculty Members Dr. Dayton-Chairman Dr. Hassett-Program Director
Dr. Cherr- Assistant Program Director
Other Big Names
Glick-Peds
Flynn-Trauma
Kulaylat-Colorectal
Laftavi-Transplant
Dosluoglu/Harris-Vascular
Wiles-Trauma
Posner-Laparoscopic
Roswell
Ppl who rotate on Dayton’s service: always be in the OR when Dayton is in the OR. It doesn’t happen that often, so take advantage of the times he is operating; be in clinic whenever he is in clinic.
Hassett traditionally writes a strong letter. *

6. Research Opportunities
Research is NOT necessary
If you choose to do research
Think of a topic/project that interests you
Find a mentor
Preferably one in the field you’ve chosen your topic

7. Letters of Recommendation
WHO?
Surgeons (Academic)
Big Names, but not at expense of quality letter
Stronger letter from junior faculty can be more beneficial than “form letter” from bigger name.
People who like you, with whom you have worked
HOW?
“Dr. ____ I really enjoyed working with you for the past _____, would you be willing to write me a LOR?”
WHEN?
3rd year versus 4th year

8. Away Rotations
NOT necessary given the amount of opportunities here in Buffalo (Trauma at ECMC, General Surgery at BGH & Suburban, and Surgical Oncology at RPCI)
PROS
May help in getting an interview at a desired program/location
Allows you to see how you would fit in with the surgical team/hospital environment
CONS
1 month may not be enough to really feel comfortable
Difficult to prove yourself in a completely new setting

9. Procedures for Away Rotations
MUST HAVE AFFILIATION AGREEMENT!!!
This takes a long time, so look into early
Review with Dr. Milling, Philippa
Usually requires lots of paperwork (insurance forms, registration details, etc.)
May require LOR from attendings with whom you’ve worked (consider those who you plan on asking for LOR anyway)
Ideally, away rotations should be completed by September at the latest (especially if you intend to get a LOR from an away rotation attending)

10. The Application
ERAS is the Primary Application Service for General Surgery
Includes the following:
Profile
CV Info (Research, Awards, Volunteering, etc.)
Personal Statement
USMLE Scores
Letters of Recommendation (up to 4 only)
Dean’s Letter (submitted Nov. 1 by Dr. Milling)
Submit via ERAS by the 1st 2 weeks of September
The earlier the better!!!

11. Interviews Offers start to arrive in September/October via email
Last through November, December, and January depending on the program
Most programs offer 3-5 dates for interviews
Try to reply ASAP to ensure that you get your preferred date

12. Interviews What to Expect:
Night Before - social event at bar/restaurant
Get to know the residents; opportunity to ask lots of real-world questions (call schedules, quality of attendings/teaching, social life, etc.)
Day of Interview - 7am-2pm
Breakfast/Intro presentation from Chair/PD
3-5 Interviews with attendings/residents or panel/group
Tour of Hospital/Academic Facilities
Lunch
Follow up with thank you notes/ s to Chairs/PDs/Interviewers within a week

13. Ranking Rank Order List submitted through NRMP
Opens in mid-January; closes mid-February
Rank programs in the order of YOUR preference
Encouraged to rank every program at which you interviewed (unless you absolutely cannot envision yourself there for residency)
Consider informing your top 2 or 3 programs of your high level of interest before you officially submit your rank list