From Our Residents' Perspective
Read why current residents chose to become a part of the General Surgery Residency Training Program at Washington University School of Medicine.
"Something that I encountered at several places on the interview trail last year was a reliance on a "rich history" of surgical training to attract new residents. I am a huge fan of surgical history, but I want my training today to mean more than just the enculturation into a tradition. I wanted to learn general surgery with surgeons who are the leaders in their respective fields today, and that's exactly what I have found at Wash U. On the whole, the surgical faculty at Wash U is arguably the most accomplished group of surgeons at a single institution in the country. To have not only the opportunity to work with them in the OR and on the floor but also to perform research in their labs was a huge factor in deciding to come here. What ultimately made the decision for me, however, was the fact that Wash U is a very humane program and treats its residents accordingly. I really look forward to coming to work every day to a place that is challenging but also supports me in becoming the best doctor and ultimately the best surgeon I can be."
A Urology Intern doing a preliminary year of General Surgery tells of his experience after arriving in St. Louis and why he is glad to be a part of the Washington University School of Medicine Residency Program: "I got an innocuous scratch from fixing my gutters that a few days later turned into wicked cellulitis. I asked my co-intern to write me a prescription for tmp-smx but the infection only became worse over the next 24 hours. The next morning, when I showed it to my senior, he immediately suspended me from work duties, called the ER surgery resident to arrange to see me, and the chief resident to tell him the news. Appropriately, that morning the visiting professor at Grand Rounds talked about necrotizing fasciitis, so I was pretty spooked. The chief called me to say not to go to the ER but to the wound clinic which is staffed by the trauma surgeons. I was in there a few minutes later and was set up with a PICC and outpatient vancomycin in a matter of a few hours. When I got home, the vancomycin and the home nurse were already there. A few people, including the trauma attending, did the leg work to make this work for me. I can’t say that this kind of thing doesn't happen everywhere, but I know for sure it happens here, and I know that people care here. Probably above all else, this is my favorite thing about this program — that the people around me care as much as I do."
"I chose to stay at Washington University because it offers a broadly excellent academic experience with highly ranked post-graduate training across many different fields, has a focus on top-notch research as the permanent contribution that all of us can make during our careers, and offers a high quality of life with affordable housing and ready access to outdoor pursuits. This combination is not easily found elsewhere in the country."
"I chose Washington University for the people. The faculty at this program are dedicated teachers who have committed themselves to educating young surgeons while still advancing their respective fields through research. Nowhere else did I appreciate the same collegiality that exists among faculty and residents at Washington University. They invest in each other's success and collaborate to achieve the program's academic mission."
"One of the main reasons I chose Washington University was that it just seemed to have everything I was looking for in a program. The residents and faculty had mutual respect for each other and were bright, interesting and pleasant. The formal educational elements of the program were structured and valued; the residents’ time is truly protected for educational activities. Upon meeting Dr. Klingensmith, I immediately felt that she understood the outlook of today’s surgery resident — to be an outstanding surgeon but also to be a successful person as a spouse, parent and/or friend. The research opportunities at Washington University are endless, and the program is dedicated to achieving your personal goals, whether they be in clinical or basic science research. Lastly, St. Louis was a relatively inexpensive city where my husband and I could afford (on my salary alone) to purchase a home near the medical center. After six weeks in the program, I can honestly say that I have found that this program has exceeded my expectations — what a wonderful program in which to train!"
"I interviewed at all of the top programs in the country, but in the end I chose Washington University because it was the most clinically comprehensive residency program I encountered. There are literally no clinical holes in the training — you will see everything from thoracic outlet surgery in Major League Baseball pitchers to lung transplants in children with cystic fibrosis to your bread-and-butter hernia and gall bladder cases. Because Barnes-Jewish Hospital is THE referral center for a 300-mile radius, you never have to worry that the hospital down the street is monopolizing the traumas or kidney transplants or CABGs. Everything comes to you, and you see it all. "
"Washington University was a clear number one choice for me. After touring many of the top training programs, I came to the conclusion that Washington University is the best academic surgical training program in the country. Upon starting my residency, it became clear that Wash U's promises would be fulfilled. The faculty are fantastic and treat the residents as colleagues from day one. I also love living in St. Louis. Having moved from New York City, I was worried about the social scene in St. Louis. However, I have found that this city has ample venues for the busy resident to both have fun and relax. Simply stated, I love Wash U. I highly encourage anyone looking to train amongst the leaders in American surgery to come see what makes us great."
"I worked hard in medical school with the goal to match in a #1 program. However, as an incoming resident with two small children it was important for me to find a program in a city where my family would be happy. With Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital, I found the perfect fit with one of the best programs in a very family-friendly city. The program director and house staff office were, and have continued to be, extremely professional and supportive. I also appreciated the honesty from the residents about how challenging and yet rewarding the program is."
“No other program made me feel as at home as Washington University.”
“I chose Washington University because it was far and away the most impressive academic surgery department in the country. Looking at the entire department, each division has numerous senior faculty in various leadership positions within their own specialized academic societies, representing the true leaders in American surgery. Further, each division has multiple mid- and junior-level faculty, recruited from top institutions, carrying out cutting-edge research. Last, the faculty are dedicated to the education of the residents and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the Washington University Surgical Residency Program graduates physicians who are prepared to embark on careers in academic surgery.”
“My interactions with both faculty and residents were very welcoming during my visit here. The faculty are very approachable, and I was able to witness how residents here form both professional and personal relationships with many of the faculty members. I still remember from my first day of orientation here, Dr. Timothy Eberlein (Department of Surgery chairman) coming into the auditorium, sitting on the front desk and saying, ‘I envision this department as being like one big family. Each one of you brings something to the table.’ And he has lived up to this promise every day — from Pizza Rounds to sharing an evening at the opera with him and his wife.”
“I think it’s a given that the Washington University surgery program is outstanding and certainly among the top few in the nation. Yet one of the other big factors in coming here was the attractiveness of St. Louis. It’s a good-sized city with a lot to offer, but it is also incredibly affordable. After renting for years as a medical student, I bought a cool new downtown loft that I NEVER would have been able to afford in other cities like Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York or Atlanta.”
“There is a huge diversity in the way attendings approach things here. I am able to learn what I like and dislike from every attending’s style and approach and adapt them to my future practice.”
“What excited me most during my visit to Washington University was the unbridled optimism so obviously present. Everyone I spoke with, from the chairman down to the interns, was excited about the growth and success of the department. That infectious enthusiasm is still present, and it's hard to see an end in sight.”