Our residency in general surgery is a categorical track for medical school graduates wishing to achieve eligibility for the American Board of Surgery examination in the specialty of general surgery. There are no undesignated preliminary general surgery residents nor are there preliminary residents for any other surgical specialty. Residents do rotate from other approved programs in neurosurgery, orthopaedics, trauma and urology. The program is non-pyramidal. The department also sponsors fellowships in plastic surgery, vascular surgery and surgical critical care. Four medical school graduates are accepted into the first year of our six-year program in general surgery. The first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth are clinical years. The third year is spent in research with limited clinical responsibility. Our residency program centers upon the principal components of general surgery, with an established curriculum that challenges the inidual resident academically and technically. The goal of the program is to produce an effective, knowledgeable, and capable practitioner of the art and science of surgery.

The faculty practices provide a rich exposure to the principal components of general surgery including diseases of the head and neck, breast, skin and soft tissues, alimentary tract, abdomen, vascular system, endocrine system, comprehensive management of trauma and emergency surgery, and surgical critical care. There is also broad exposure to other sub -specialties of surgery, including cardiothoracic, pediatric and plastic surgery. All clinical rotations are served at the main campus except for one month of solid organ transplantation in the third year, and four months in general surgery performed at a nearby community hospital. A Surgical Skills Lab that encompasses both open and laparoscopic skills complements the clinical experience.

The goals of the research year are to acquaint the future surgeon with the process of surgical research so as to allow a critical appraisal of the literature as well as to emphasize academic productivity with both presentations and publications. The director of surgical research supervises the year’s experience, developing a plan that focuses on areas of interest to the trainee. A vigorous basic science research program is ongoing at the main campus. Many recent graduates have opted for further training in a discipline of general surgery. Fellowships have been obtained throughout North America in premier programs in cardiothoracic, colorectal, plastic, vascular, and trauma surgery.

Conclusion

The large number of full- time faculty at our campus in all surgical disciplines allows a close relationship between attending and resident. Our program emphasizes the importance of graduated responsibility for the trainee to foster development of surgical judgment. Emphasis is placed upon ambulatory surgery and continuity of care between resident and patient.

CLICK HERE to view and print the complete General Surgery residency brochure

Contact Information

Director: James B. Alexander, M.D., FACS
Contact: Cathi Cooney, Coordinator
Phone: 856-342-3012
Fax: 856-365-7582
E-mail: gsprogram@cooperhealth.edu
Address: Cooper University Hospital, Office of Surgical Education, Three Cooper Plaza, Suite 411, Camden, NJ 08103

Department of Surgery Clinical Schedule

PGY–1
6 months - General Surgery
2 months - Vascular Surgery
2 months - Surgical Critical Care
2 months - Surgical Subspecialty

PGY–2
5 months - General Surgery
2 months - Vascular Surgery
2 months - Surgical Critical Care
3 months - Surgical Subspecialty

Research Year
12 months Research Fellowship

PGY–3
5 months - General Surgery
2 months - General/Vascular Surgery
2 months - Vascular Surgery
2 months - Surgical Subspecialty
1 month - Transplant

PGY–4
7 months - General Surgery
1 month - Vascular Surgery
2 months - Surgical Subspecialty
2 months - General/Vascular Surgery

PGY–5
6 months - General Surgery
6 months - Colon and Rectal Surgery