Yale Plastic Surgery Residency

Overview
Through the combined efforts of the 30 full-time and part-time faculty members, a broad educational program is provided in the basic science, clinical and research aspects of plastic surgery. Balanced experience is provided in the biology of disease and the clinical management of problems in congenital craniofacial deformity, cranial base surgery, vascular anomalies, hand surgery, burns, cancer surgery, maxillofacial and extremity trauma, head and neck tumors, microvascular surgery and aesthetic surgery. The program affords the resident an opportunity to acquire a broad base of knowledge and the core information necessary for Board Certification in Plastic Surgery. The residency is fully approved by the Residency Review Committee in Plastic Surgery.

Education
The first 3 years of residency are spent primarily in the Yale General Surgery Residency. Additional interactive conferences are held with Plastic Surgery faculty to address specific topics in plastic surgery. Didactic programs as well as “hands-on” workshops are conducted. During years PGY4-6, in addition to a broad clinical experience focusing on plastic surgery, multiple conferences are offered to enhance an understanding of plastic surgery. Weekly conferences include craniofacial, head and neck, hand, and grand rounds in plastic surgery and in the Department of Surgery. Monthly conferences are held to discuss research, including bone and skin growth and wound healing. Also, there is a monthly interactive review between individual faculty and each resident in the program.
Core curriculum

Clinical Programs
The Yale Craniofacial Program is a multi-specialty programmatic effort dealing with congenital, traumatic, tumor, and vascular anomaly involvement in the craniofacial region. It has specialty representation from 18 clinical services within the medical center. There is a full-time nurse coordinator responsible for enhancing patient care delivery and research in the treatment of craniofacial disorders.

The Microsurgery Program is coordinated to concentrate expertise in replantation, microvascular reconstruction, and free flap surgical techniques. There are regularly scheduled “hands on” teaching sessions for the residents with the assistance of the clinical faculty. A fully equipped microsurgery laboratory provides a supportive environment for faculty, residents, and students to develop and refine microsurgical skills and conduct experimental investigations.

The Upper Extremity Program includes treatment of traumatic, congenital, and degenerative conditions involving the hand, wrist, and the nervous system. Repetitive work trauma and recalcitrant pain conditions are treated in a multidisciplinary program of special emphasis. One Hand Fellow is accepted into a one-year program each year.

The Yale Skin Bank’s mission is the recovery, preservation and distribution of life-saving, viable allograft skin to burn centers worldwide. The Bank has been in existence since 1983. The Cosmetic Surgery Team provides excellent and comprehensive services to those seeking facial and body aesthetic enhancement. The Oncologic Reconstruction Program focuses on breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma treatment.

Research
Areas of research include: connective tissue regeneration, concentrating on hard and soft tissue growth and repair; craniofacial growth and development; microvascular surgery; aesthetic breast shape; flap physiology; hand surgery; and telemedicine technology to facilitate wound care.

Application
All applicants must use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Information can be found at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras. The application deadline is October 15. Incomplete applications will not be able to be considered. (Please note: Medical students must first register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), at 2501 M Street, N.W., Suite 1, Washington D.C. 20037-1307. Please indicate Yale Plastic Surgery (NRMP#1089-49) NOT Yale General Surgery on the form.)

Decisions concerning interviews for all applicants will be completed by the Yale Plastic Surgery Admissions Committee. Applicants will be notified by November 30. Interviews will take place in December and early January.

Morgan Regan
Program Administrator
Section of Plastic Surgery
Department of Surgery
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
P.O. Box 208041
New Haven, CT 06520-8041

Phone: (203) 785-2573
Fax: (203) 785-5714
morgan.bowen@yale.edu