Surgery Residency Program
The Program
The Department of Surgery at Abington Memorial Hospital offers a categorical 5-year residency in general surgery and a 1-year preliminary surgical internship. Both programs provide the resident with the clinical experience necessary to develop broad diagnostic, management, and technical skills with understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, and basic science of surgical disease. Each resident grows professionally by assuming gradually increasing responsibility for patient care, commensurate with ability, experience, and developing confidence.
Modern hospital and library facilities, spacious classroom and lecture areas, state-of-the-art simulation equipment in the department's new simulation lab, and a large and diverse case mix create an ideal educational atmosphere. In addition, Abington Memorial Hospital is an accredited regional trauma center. Exceptional ancillary support frees the resident's time for the more important matters of studying and "hands-on" learning.
Distinguished visiting professors and invited lecturers address the residents regularly. In addition, residents are encouraged to contribute to the surgical literature and to attend local and national surgical meetings, for which funding is available from the department. Residents develop their own teaching abilities through the instruction of more junior residents and Temple University and Drexel University medical students.
One-Year Program
Both 1-year and 5-year programs begin with "core" training in general surgery and other surgical specialties that provides the resident with a broad understanding of the principles of patient management and fosters the development of basic technical skills and surgical judgment.
The first-year resident operates with staff surgeons (with the goal of doing 100 cases in the intern year) and is given responsibility commensurate with his or her ability. The basic core program prepares residents for further training in general surgery and other specialties, including otolaryngology, gynecology, anesthesiology, neurosurgery, urology, oral surgery, radiology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. Occasionally, these surgical subspecialties require a second year of general surgery training, which can be arranged. Elective time can be tailored to meet the individual resident's long-range goals.
Five-Year Program
Five residents are accepted into the 5-year program each year. Our residency program is based on the philosophy that the competent general surgeon possesses not only superior operative skills, but also an understanding of the physiology, anatomy, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and nonoperative management of surgical disorders. To that end, the residency program is organized with a blend of didactic teaching, discussion sessions, preoperative evaluation, operative participation, and postoperative management, including ICU care and outpatient follow-up. Learning is structured so that the resident is first an observer, and then a performer of some of the basic surgical procedures under close supervision. As technical expertise and sound judgement develop, greater independence is encouraged (see operative experience). The program is organized with step-by-step responsibility, accountability, and frequent evaluation and feedback for the trainee.
The first year consists of the core curriculum described above. In the middle clinical years, the resident participates in complex surgical cases, cares for emergency and trauma cases, becomes proficient in gastrointestinal endoscopy and in diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures, and acts as the junior chief on general surgery inpatient services (see rotations). Graduates of the 5-year program are prepared to be skillful practitioners in general surgery, or may proceed to further training in advanced laparoendoscopic, cardiothoracic, pediatric, plastic, vascular, colon and rectal surgery, transplantation, surgical oncology, trauma / critical care, or to other fellowships (see graduates).
If you have questions about the General Surgery Residency Program or about life as a surgical resident at AMH, please contact any of the following:
TO TOP OF PAGE
Teaching Conferences
|
Wednesdays:
|
Trauma/Critical Care Conference
Vascular Conference
Colon and Rectal Conference
Laparoscopic Skills Conference
Surgical Simulation Lab |
|
Thursdays:
|
Morbidity and Mortality
Visiting Professor Lectures
Journal Club |
|
Fridays:
|
Hepatobiliary Teleconference |
TO TOP OF PAGE
Rotations
PGY1:
|
|
| General Surgery* |
3.5 months |
| Advanced Laparoendoscopic Surgery |
1 month |
| Anesthesiology |
.5 month |
Burns
(Temple University Hospital) |
1 month |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery |
1 month |
| Plastic Surgery |
1 month |
| Surgical Oncology |
1 month |
| Trauma/Critical Care |
2 months |
| Vascular Surgery |
1 month |
PGY2:
|
|
| General Surgery* |
4 months |
| Advanced Laparoendoscopic Surgery |
1 month |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery |
2 months |
Pediatric Surgery
(Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) |
2 months |
| Vascular Surgery |
1 month |
| Trauma/Critical Care |
2 months |
PGY3:
|
|
| General Surgery* |
3 months |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery |
1 month |
Penetrating Trauma
(Temple University Hospital) |
2 months |
| Surgical Oncology |
1 month |
Transplantation
(Hahnemann University Hospital) |
1 month |
| Trauma/Critical Care |
2 months |
| Vascular Surgery |
2 months |
PGY4:
|
|
| General Surgery* |
5 months |
| Advanced Laparoendoscopic Surgery |
3 months |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery |
2 months |
| Trauma/Critical Care |
1 month |
| Vascular Surgery |
1 month |
PGY5:
|
|
| General Surgery* |
4 months |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery |
2 months |
| Surgical Oncology |
3 months |
| Vascular Surgery |
3 months |
* General Surgery includes traditional general surgery, night emergency surgery, and ambulatory surgery.
TO TOP OF PAGE
Operative Experience
Procedure
|
RRC Minimum
|
Chief Residents
|
|
SS&B
|
25
|
89
|
|
H&N
|
24
|
59
|
|
ALTR
|
72
|
248
|
|
AB
|
65
|
241
|
|
VASC
|
44
|
132
|
|
ENDO
|
8
|
31
|
|
THOR
|
15
|
31
|
|
LAP-B
|
60
|
166
|
|
LAP-C
|
25
|
98
|
|
TTL MAJ
|
500
|
848
|
Defined Category Minimums vs. AMH Chief Resident Totals
(Selected Procedures), 2009-10
TO TOP OF PAGE
Graduates 1985-2010
Fellowships: 56%
Advanced Laparoendoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville)
St. Francis Hospital
St. Vincent's Hospital and Health Care Center
University of New Mexico |
6 |
|
Breast Fellowship
The Bryn Mawr Hospital
Grant Medical Center
|
3 |
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University
University of Cincinnati
University of Kentucky |
3 |
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Ferguson Clinic (3)
Grant Medical Center
UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson (2)
University of Texas at Houston
Washington University |
8 |
Hand Surgery
Harper-Grace Hospital/Wayne State University
SUNY Buffalo |
2 |
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Indiana University
Penn State University/Hershey Medical Center (2) |
3 |
Surgical Oncology
Fox Chase Cancer Center
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (2)
University of Pittsburgh (3) |
6 |
Trauma/Critical Care
Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services
UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Camden)
University of Miami
University of Pennsylvania |
4 |
Vascular Surgery
Provident Medical Center
Toledo Hospital (Jobst Vascular Center)
University of Connecticut / Hartford Hospital |
3 |
Directly into private practice: 48%
Armed forces commitment: 6%
TO TOP OF PAGE
Board Passage Rates (2005-2010)
General Surgery Residency Program, Abington Memorial Hospital, 5-Year Rates for First-Time Takers, as Reported by the American Board of Surgery, August 2010: http://home.absurgery.org/default.jsp?prog_passreport
QE (Qualifying Examination) = 94%
CE (Certifying Examination) = 87%
QE/CE (Combined Index) = 82%
"The performance of the program graduates on the certification examination should be used as one measure of evaluating a program effectiveness. At minimum, for the most recent five-year period, 65% of the graduates must pass each of the qualifying and certifying examinations on the first attempt."
ACGME Program Requirements in Surgery, Effective: January 2008
TO TOP OF PAGE
Categorical Residents
Chief Residents
Thomas Diven, M.D.
University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas
Michelle Gniady, M.D.
Louisiana State University
Ashwin Kurian, M.D.
Bangalore Medical College
Ryan Shadis, M.D.
Temple University
Fourth-Year Residents
Sidhbh Gallagher, M.D.
University College Dublin
Randall M. Kimball, II, M.D.
Albany Medical College
Harsha Polavarapu, M.D.
Rangaraya Medical College
Third-Year Residents
Candy K. Anim, M.D.
UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson
Valerie J. Hart, D.O.
Kansas City University
Nandini N. Kulkarni, M.D.
Kasturba Medical College
Joseph M. Lopez, Jr., M.D.
Creighton University
Vanessa C. Malit, M.D.
Meharry Medical College
Steven K. Nakao, M.D.
Temple University
Second-Year Residents
Erich P. Gerhardt, D.O.
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
William Gleason, M.D.
Temple University
Kathryn Jarrett, M.D.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Jeontaik (John) Kwon, M.D.
Albany Medical College
Iswanto Sucandy, M.D.
Universitas Airlangga School of Medicine
First-Year Residents
Martin Alverez, M.D.
Temple University School of Medicine
Anthony Bianchi, M.D.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Felix Boecker, M.D.
University of Miami School of Medicine
Lyman Hale, M.D.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Daniel Meikle, M.D.
Drexel University College of Medicine
TO TOP OF PAGE
Faculty
The advantage of a program such as Abington Memorial Hospital's is the close, often one-to-one relationship between residents and attending surgeons. All cases are performed by Abington Memorial Hospital general surgery residents as there are no fellows in training. All of the attending surgeons are board-certified in their specialties, and most hold teaching appointments at Temple University and Drexel University Schools of Medicine. All are dedicated to resident education.
|
John S. Kukora, M.D.,
Program Director
Professor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine
Professor of Surgery (adjunct), Temple University School of Medicine
|
|
Christopher M. Pezzi, M.D.,
Associate Program Director
(Fellowship: Surgical Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center)
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery (adjunct), Temple University School of Medicine
Director, Surgical Oncology Education |
|
Donna M. Angotti, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
|
|
Gintaras Antanavicius, M.D.
(Fellowship: Minimally Invasive Surgery/Bariatric Surgery, University of Minnesota)
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Fernando B. Bonanni, Jr., M.D.
Director, Bariatric Surgery Program
Director, Surgical Simulation Laboratory |
|
Steven A. Fassler, M.D.
(Fellowship: Colon and Rectal Surgery, UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Arthur M. Frankel, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
|
|
Ala S. Frey, M.D.
(Fellowship: Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center)
Assistant Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Mauricio J. Garrido, M.D.
(Fellowship: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ventricular Assist Device/Transplant and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Columbia University)
Director, Heart and Rhythm Program, Porter Institute for Valvular Heart Disease |
|
Steven G. Harper, M.D.
(Fellowship: Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Ferguson Clinic)
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Robert K. Josloff, M.D.
(Fellowship: Laparoendoscopic Surgery, University of New Mexico)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Robert A. Jubelirer, M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
|
|
Soo Y. Kim, M.D.
(Fellowship: Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Ferguson Clinic) |
|
Jeffrey W. Kolff, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine
|
|
James T. Moore, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
|
|
Joseph H. Nejman, M.D.
(Fellowship: Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Ferguson Clinic)
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Seth L. Newman, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
|
|
Michael L. Nussbaum, M.D.
(Fellowship: Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
|
Ho Pak, M.D.
(Fellowship: Surgical Oncology, National Institutes of Health) |
|
Richard E. Parsons, M.D.
(Fellowship: Vascular Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center / Albert Einstein Medical College)
Associate Professor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine |
|
Lars Ola Sjoholm, M.D.
(Fellowship: Trauma/Critical Care, Cooper University Hospital) |
|
Theodore R. Sullivan, Jr., M.D.
(Fellowship: Vascular Surgery, New England Medical Center)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
Director, Vascular Surgery Education |
|
James V. Yuschak, M.D.
(Fellowship: Trauma/Critical Care, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine
Director, Trauma Program, Trauma/Critical Care Education |
|
D. Mark Zebley, M.D.
(Fellowship: Colon and Rectal Surgery, Washington University)
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine |
TO TOP OF PAGE
Selected Recent Publications and Presentations
(General Surgery residents' and faculty names appear in boldface type)
Chapters and Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals
Antanavicius G, Leslie D, Torres-Villalobos G, et al: .Distal esophageal erosion after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement with Nissen fundoplication takedown. Obes Surg. 2008 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print]
Antanavicius G, Leslie D, Torres-Villalobos G, et al: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion via gastro-gastric fistula in a gastric bypass patient. Obes Surg 2008 Sepn 27. [Epub ahead of print]
Cole K, Fassler SA, Suryadevara S, Zebley DM: Laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis? Can we treat complicated cases without complications? Surg Endosc Surg Endosc 2008; June 5 [Epub ahead of print].
Cole K, Leibrandt TJ, Pezzi CM, Kukora JS: Do men and women use the same criteria in selecting general surgery residency programs? Results of a 20-year study of a non-university program. J Surg Educ 2007;64:204-7.
Cole K, Shadis R, Sullivan TR, Yuschak J: Retrohepatic hematoma causing caval compression after blunt abdominal trauma. J Surg Educ 2009;66:48-50.
Franko J, Cole K, Pezzi CM, Montone K, Remond J: Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas. Am J Clin Oncol, 2008;31:624-5.
Franko J, Fassler SA, Rezvani M, O'Connell BG, Harper SG, Nejman JH, Zebley DM: Conversion of laparoscopic colon resection does not affect survivasl in colon cancer. Surg Endosc. 2008 22:2631-4.
Franko J, Kish K, Pezzi CM, Pak H, Kukora JS: Safely increasing the efficiency of thyroidectomy using a new bipolar electrosealing device (Ligasure®) versus conventional clamp-and-tie technique. Am Surg 2006;72:312-6.
Franko J, O'Connell BG, Mehall, JR, Zebley DM, Fassler SA: Incidence of prior abdominal operation on conversion rates in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: analysis of 1000 cases. JSLS 2006;10:169-75.
Franko J, Rezvani M, O'Connell BG, Zebley DM, Fassler SA: Conversion of laparoscopic colon resection does not affect survival in colon cancer. Surg Endosc, published online DOI 10 1007/s00464-0 08 9812-4.
Leibrandt TJ, Pezzi CM, Fassler SA, Reilly EF, Morris JB: Impact of the 80-hour work week on voluntary attrition in general surgery. J Am Coll Surg 2006;202:340-4.
Opatt DM, Kukora JS: Breast cancer, in Somkuti SG (ed): Obstetric and Gynecologic Board Review: Pearls of Wisdom (3rd ed). New York, McGraw-Hill, 2008.
Pezzi C, Leibrandt T, Suryadevara S, Heller J, Hurley-Martonik D, Kukora JS: The present and future use of physician extenders in generals surgey training programs: one response to the 80-hour work week. J Am Coll Surg 2009; 208:587-91.
Pezzi CM, Patel-Parekh L, Cole K, Franko J, Klimberg VS, Bland KI: Characteristics and treatment of metaplastic breast cancer: analysis of 892 cases from the National Cancer Data Base. Ann Surg Oncol 2007;14:166-73.
Rezvani M, O'Moore P, Pezzi CM: Late pancreaticojenostomy stent migration and hepatic abscess after Whipple procedure. J Surg Educ 2007;64:220-3.
Rezvani M, Franko J, Cole K, Harper S, Nejman J, Fassler S, Harper S: Conversion rate and complications in patients treated by laparoscopic resection of the rectal carcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. JSLS 2007;11:204-7.
Strobos E, Anatanavicius A, Josloff RF: Small bowel obstruction from adjustable gastric band. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2009;5:630-2.
Strobos E, Bonanni F: Gastric remnant leak after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Surg Obes Rel Dis 2009;5:637-40.
Torres-Villalobos GM, Kellogg TA, Leslie DB, Antanavicius G, Andrade RS, Slusarek B, Prosen TL, Ikramuddin S. Small bowel obstruction and internal hernias during pregnancy after gastric bypass surgery. Obes Surg. 2008 Oct 2. [Epub ahead of print]
Whitman C, Joseph JM, Sjoholm LO: Cephalosporin-induced leukopenia following rechallenge with cefoxitin. Ann Pharmacother 2008;42:1327-32.
Presentations
Cole K, Leibrandt TJ, Franko J, Pezzi CM, Kukora JS: "Do Gender Differences Influence Selection of General Surgery Residency Programs?" 1st Place, Resident Research Competition, Philadelphia Academy of Surgery, February 6, 2006; Association of Program Directors in Surgery/Association for Surgical Education, Tucson, AZ, March 23, 2006.
Cole K, Fassler SA, Suryadevara S, Zebley DM: "Laparoscopic Surgery for Diverticulitis? Can We Treat Complicated Cases without Complications?" 53rd Scientific Session, Frederick A. Coller Surgical Society, Whitefish, Montana, September 27-30, 2007.
Franko J, Subramanian S, Yuschak JV: "Blunt Head Trauma and the Risk of Death from Traumatic Brain Injury in Anticoagulated Patients: Is Age an Independent Predictor of Outcome?" Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Orlando, FL, January 10-14, 2006.
Franko J, Rezvani M, O'Connell BG, Zebley DM, Fassler SA: "Conversion of Laparoscopic Colon Resection Does Not Affect Survival in Colon Cancer." Society of Surgical Oncology, Washington, DC, March 16, 2007.
Goodwin C, Cole K, Yuschak: "Three-Tier Trauma System Improves Triage of Elderly Trauma Victims." Resident Trauma Paper Competition, Pennsylvania Committee on Trauma, Harrisburg, October 19, 2007.
Kukora JS, Lauro C, Mimm L, Moyer S, Benedict K, Laurie C, Brophy C, Werner D, Pezzi C: Lessons learned from a multifrontal attack on barriers to compliance with perioperative antibiotic administration and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in surgical patients. ACS NSQIP National Conference, Boca Ratan, FL, June 22-24, 2008.
Pezzi CM, Leibrandt TJ, Suryadevara S, Heller J, Hurley-Martonik D, Kukora J: Current and Planned Use for Physician Extenders in General Surgery Residency Programs: A Survey of the Program Directors in Surgery," Association of Program Directors in Surgery/Association for Surgical Education, Toronto, April 2008.
Rezvani M, Franko J, Cole K, Harper S, Nejman J, Fassler S, Harper S: "Conversion Rate and Complications in Patients Treated by Laparoscopic Resection of Rectal Carcinoma after Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer," 15th International Congress, Endo Expo 2006, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Boston, September, 2006.
Rezvani M, Pezzi CP, Kurian A, Azadarmak R, Kukora JS: Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Levels Decline by 80% or More in Unilateral Neck Exploration for Primary Hyperparathyroidism. Conjoint Meeting, Philadelphia Academy of Surgery, New York Surgical Society, April 9, 2008.
Suryadevara S, Opatt D, Leibrandt T, Pezzi C, Kukora J: "Trading Cases for Better Academic Performance? The 80-Hour Work Week in a Non-University Program," Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, New Orleans, October 8-11, 2007.
Suryadevara S, Vaughn D, Kurian A, Kim S, Fassler S: "Laparoscopic Colon and Rectal Surgery in Octogenarians: A Safe Alternative to Open Surgery?" Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, October 13, 2008.
Suryadevara S, Kurian A, Vaughn D, Kim S, Zebley DM, Hofmann M, Fassler S Laparoscopic colectomies in octogenarians: a better option to open surgery? American Geriatrics Society, Chicago, April 30-May 2, 2009.
TO TOP OF PAGE
Organization and Administration
Department of Surgery
Chair
Program Director, Surgical Residency
John S. Kukora, M.D.
Associate
Program Director
Karen R. Borman, M.D.
Associate Program Director, Surgical Residency
Director, Surgical Oncology Education
Christopher M. Pezzi, M.D.
Director, Academic Services
Thomas J. Leibrandt, M.A.
Administrative Director
Janice K. Heller
Education Program Coordinator
Rebecca T. Augustine
Administrative Secretaries
Patricia A. Carroll
Diosa Senhouse
Divisions
General Surgery
Neurosurgery
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cardiac Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Otolaryngology
Urology
Dentistry
Podiatry
TO TOP OF PAGE
Application Information
All well-qualified senior medical students are welcome to apply. Candidates should have strong academic records, have excelled in surgery and other clinical clerkships, and have strong letters of support. Please submit your application through ERAS - the Electronic Residency Application Service. Only these electronic applications will be accepted.
For information regarding the one-year and five-year residency programs in General Surgery contact:
John S. Kukora, M.D.
Program Director, Surgical Residency
Department of Surgery
Abington Memorial Hospital
Abington, PA 19001
Phone: (215) 481-7464
FAX: (215) 481-2159
Email: amh-surgery@amh.org
Interviews are granted only after review of the application and supporting letters.
TO TOP OF PAGE