Post-Graduate Year Descriptions

Eric Jenkins, M.D., treats a patient while rotating on the pediatric surgical service.

Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) 

The internship provides an extensive experience in the essentials of pre- and postoperative care. First-year residents become competent in managing critically ill patients, and they begin to develop technical skills in operative surgery. Rotations in plastic and reconstructive surgery and pediatric surgery also are provided in the first year. The PGY1 year includes rotations on general surgery, thoracic surgery, the surgical intensive care unit, the cardiothoracic intensive care unit and night float. The majority of the PGY1 rotations are scheduled at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Post-Graduate Year 2 (PGY2)

In the second year, clinical responsibility and operative experience increase. The PGY2 schedule includes approximately four months of general surgery, as well as rotations on the critical care service, pediatric surgical service, the emergency room, and cardiothoracic ICU. General Surgery PGY2 residents rotate at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the St. Louis VA Medical Center-John Cochran Division.

Post-Graduate Year 3 (PGY3) 

The third year provides advanced experience on the general surgery services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. There also are rotations on vascular surgery, transplantation and endoscopy.

Post-Graduate Year 4 (PGY4)

During the fourth clinical year of the program, the resident rotates on general surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and provides surgical services to the city health care system (Connect Care). Experience includes rotations on thoracic, trauma, pediatric surgery (St. Louis Children's Hospital) and night float and a rotation at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.

Post-Graduate Year 5 (PGY5) (Chief Resident)

During the final year of the program, the resident rotates at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on the general surgery and colorectal surgery services, and on general surgery at the VA Medical Center. Working under the guidance of attending surgeons, the chief resident is responsible for the administration of the service and actively participates in the organization of conferences and teaching junior surgical house officers and medical students.