Vascular Surgery Residency

Vascular Surgery Residency Header The Spectrum Health/Michigan State University Vascular Surgery Residency is a five year ACGME accredited residency program designed to train medical students who desire to become board-certified vascular surgeons. Residents work closely with the faculty mentors and are assisted by a team of clinical nurses, general surgery residents and physician assistants. A large case experience, clinical research and a new simulation center contribute to a well-rounded experience and the opportunity to become a well-rounded, proficient vascular surgery specialist.

Our residents spend the majority of their time at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Robert Cuff, MD, is the program director and he is assisted by six vascular surgeons, all fellowship trained. Each of the faculty trained at different programs bringing a diverse experience to the residency.

The five year integrated vascular surgery residency received approval in 2010 and currently has residents at the PGY-1 through PGY-5 levels. The residents rotate through general surgery services including trauma, burn and critical care, cardiology services, cardiothoracic surgery, pediatric surgery and plastic surgery as well as the vascular surgery service during their first three years. Each year an increasing amount of time is spent caring for vascular patients culminating in 23/26 blocks on the vascular surgery service during the final two years of the residency.

The residents participate and help run weekly educational conferences. Clinical research participation is expected and supported by dedicated research coordinators.

The large clinical volume of both open and endovascular cases, world-class facilities and broad training experiences of the faculty insure the residents will graduate with the experience to be confident and competent vascular specialists.

PGY-1 Year

Vascular surgery (including one block vascular lab): Four blocks
Cardiology: One block
Vascular lab: One block
Plastics: One block
Trauma: Two blocks
General surgery: Three blocks
Surgical critical care: One block

PGY-2 Year

Vascular surgery: Five blocks
Pediatric surgery: One block
Trauma: One block
General surgery: Three blocks
Surgical critical care: One block
Burn: One block
Wound clinic: One block

PGY-3 Year

Vascular surgery: Four blocks
Trauma: Two blocks
Quality and safety rotation: One block
Surgical critical care: Three blocks
Thoracic: One block
Wound clinic: One block
Vein clinic: One block

PGY-4 Year

Vascular surgery: 11 blocks
Thoracic surgery: One block
Vein clinic: One block

PGY-5 Year

Vascular surgery: 13 blocks

Research
For research support, the scholarly activity support team can assist you. The scholarly activity support team also offers biostatistics consultation, and poster preparation. Residents will be expected to submit their work for presentation at an institutional Research Day.

USMLE Step 1 - 220+ or COMLEX Level 1- 400-600
USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 preferred by interview season

All applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service only. Residency interviews are held in November and December. For more information on our program, contact Liz Herppich, program coordinator.

All visiting medical student applications must be submitted through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunitiesprogram (formerly known as VSAS). The Spectrum Health course catalog for rotation opportunities starting in July for the next academic year will be posted in March. Applications will be accepted starting April 1.

Spectrum Health provides a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package for our residents, staff and their families. In addition, our program provides educational monies to support your ongoing education. Download our salary and benefits document to learn more.

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