What I've learned thus far in my residency...

[mikeSpa]

So far it's been 5 months into my Surgical Residency, I just wanted to give a little info on what i think so far.

 

I remember the first month, I was still struggling on how to do a mattress suture or tying knots quickly. Now, I'm practically doing cases all by myself. So you do learn a great deal in these programs.

 

Hours: Depends on the rotation. average of 80 hours a week in certain rotations (ie: general surgery or ct surgery) and 50 hours a week in easy rotations like Plastics.

 

Tips for people that want to get into residency: Do lots of research on the residency you want to go into. I think picking a residency program that has developed for a long time is a good indication of the program. I'm in a young program now (couple of years old), therefore they are still very unorganized at times and have plenty of miscommunications with the MDs and MD residents. Half the hospital don't know the diff between pa residents and pa's.

 

At times i wish i went to program where they don't have a surgical MD resident but only PA residents. There, you won't be competing with them in certain procedures and cases.

 

Why i did residency? Because I was not convinced I could find a hospital or doctor that would teach me enough that residency has to offer or would give me the opportunity to go into the OR. I know friends that are in CT surg and it took them 4-5 months to get in to the OR and after one year, they still don't' know how to harvest veins.

 

Bottom line, residency is not for everyone. You have to sacrifice. There are ups and downs in my program. At times i regret it. But I can tell you this, at the end I'm probably damn proud of myself for finishing the program.

[just_me]

Thats my plan-------once I actually get into a PA program and graduate

 

I think I will be more marketable with the residency experience on my resume

[EMEDPA]

For those considering a surgical residency I would highly recommend norwalk and montefiore-both well established programs that know how to use pa resients.

[chiaroscuro27]

Does anyone have recommendations on Trauma/Critical Care or Emergency Medicine residencies? I'm pretty sure I'd like to go into either one of these fields. Thanks!

[EMEDPA]

for trauma I would do the st lukes program.

for em I would do Iowa.

[andersenpa]

which program are you in?

[chiaroscuro27]

Thanks, Emed!

[GREATMDPA]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if you get paid during residency, and how long are residencies?

[andersenpa]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if you get paid during residency, and how long are residencies?

 

Yes most residencies have a salary or stipend. Programs are usually around 12 months. See http://www.appap.org for program details.

[EMEDPA]

most pay 40-50k/yr (SAME AS MD RESDENTS) and include a full benefits package.

[Mdub83]

Are MD residents given any type of preference over you in any way?

[nickilynn05]

Anyone have information on specialzing in GI or residency in Jacksonville, Florida or elsewhere?

 

Thank you,

Nicki

[Surgical Sage]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. I am about to apply for a surgical residency this 2011. I was wondering if you had any other advice besides doing plenty of research on the program and applying for well established programs. You should be finished by now with the program and I'm curious to know which field you chose and why? Personally, I am unsure on my choice of subspecialty.