The program is unique in its longitudinal design, with two categorical positions at each of the five levels of surgical training so that residents who meet our standards are guaranteed completion of the program without competing with others. Additionally we have three preliminary positions for residents going on to programs in anesthesia, orthopedics etc.

The training of our residents for the practice of general surgery encompasses education in basic science, training in cognitive and technical skills, development of clinical knowledge and maturity, and acquisition of surgical judgment.

The program provides the opportunity for residents to learn in depth the fundamentals of basic science as applied to clinical surgery. It also provides experience in pre-operative, operative and post operative care for patients in all areas that constitute the principal components of general surgery. Additional components such as cardio-thoracic, thoracic surgery, pediatric surgery, transplantation surgery, endoscopy, urology, gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and anesthesiology are provided in the core curriculum or in rotations.

The surgical residency program is enriched by the presence of other residency programs at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers Queens in internal medicine, family practice, orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, general dentistry, oral surgery and podiatry, providing dynamic interaction in patient care and education.

Through immersion in a very rich and varied clinical environment, the residents are offered the opportunity to acquire sophisticated surgical skills which enable them to either practice clinical surgery, obtain fellowships in the surgical sub-specialties, or fill faculty positions upon completion of the residency program.

Candidates joining the residency program are expected to make themselves available to attend orientation, which includes life support certification courses in BLS and ACLS, and is held two weeks prior to the start of the program (July 1).  It should also be noted that residents will not be promoted to the fourth year of residency without a New York State License. It is expected that all exams required for licensure be completed in the first two years of surgical residency, and then only will residents graduate to the third year.