Overview of the Program

The Rush University Medical Center Plastic Surgery Residency Program is a fully accredited ACGME program. Our two year independent program has one position at each level. We recruit for one house officer each year. A minimum of five years of general surgery is a prerequisite. The 24-month curriculum includes 22 months at Rush University Medical Center and 2 months at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. The Cook County Hospital rotation includes 1 month on the orthopedic hand service and 1 month in the burn unit. The 22 months at Rush University Medical Center is on the Plastic Surgery service which covers all aspects of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery.

The two residents in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center train with over one dozen regionally and internationally known plastic surgery Attendings. All of the Attendings in the department have successful practices in downtown Chicago. The residency is strong in all aspects of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery. Particular strengths include all aspects of aesthetic surgery, craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial surgery, breast and breast reconstructive surgery, as well as general plastic reconstruction. At the completion of their residency, the residents are highly trained, competent plastic surgeons who are well prepared for today’s diverse field of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery. The Chairman and other Attendings in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery work hard to assure the futures of each of the graduating residents.

The conference schedule includes:

• Weekly Grand Rounds – 1.5 hours
• Mortality and Morbidity Conference once per quarter – 1.5 hours
• Plastic Surgery Basic Science Conference - 2 times per month
• Clinical Correlations Conference – two times per month
• Hand Conference – two times per month
• Craniofacial Conference – one time per month

All conferences are mandatory for the residents.

Residents are required to complete a minimum of one research project each year. The senior resident is required to present his research project at the Senior Resident Conference in the spring of his second year and the residents are also encouraged to submit their research for other national conferences as well. The Rush senior residents have won the award for best craniofacial paper at the National Senior Resident Conference two out of the last three years.

The work hours are tracked for each resident and the 80-hour work week is not violated. The residents take no in-house call.

To receive an application to our program, please go to www.sfmatch.org. You may also call their office directly at (415) 447-0350.

For more information on advanced training please contact:

John W. Polley, M.D., Chairman
Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Aesthetic and Pediatric Plastic Surgery
John W. Curtin Chair
Professor and Chairman
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Co-Director, Rush Craniofacial Center
Rush University Medical Center
1725 W. Harrison, Suite 425, Professional Building I
Phone: (312) 563-3000
Fax: (312) 563-2514
E-mail: john_polley@rush.edu

Samantha J. Olson
Department Manager
Rush Craniofacial Center
Residency Coordinator
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Rush University Medical Center
Phone: (312) 563-2558
Fax: (312) 563-2514
E-mail: Samantha_J_Olson@rush.ed