# data[].attributes.body
A sample agreement and links to various GME policies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learn more about the benefits of residency and fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the agreements that govern residents and fellows.

The following stipends are provided by our ACGME-accredited physician residency and fellowship programs as well as certain other programs. Non-ACGME and non-physician programs may follow other compensation schedules.

2023-2024

2022-2023

Paychecks are issued on a biweekly basis. Direct deposit is required.

Current residents and fellows can find information about viewing direct-deposit paystubs on the Payroll website (internal users only; login required).

The following benefits are provided by Penn State Health's ACGME-accredited physician residency and fellowship programs as well as certain other programs. Non-ACGME and non-physician programs may follow other compensation schedules.

The health insurance plan emphasizes prevention, wellness and health choices. The organization continues to employees to make informed decisions as engaged health care consumers.

ACGME-accredited programs offer an expansive schedule and lifestyle health management program with incentives. Programs have maintained the Health Reimbursement Arrangement and included opportunities for residents and fellows and their spouses/domestic partners to earn additional financial contributions toward the HRA. Participants choose when to use their HRA to pay for medical deductible and coinsurance, further enabling them to plan and save for tomorrow's health care expenses today.
Read more about benefits
For more information on specific benefits and benefit costs for residents and fellows, call the Penn State Health HR Solutions Center at 717-531-8440.

Other Benefits

Competitive salary

Dental plan

Vision plan

Up to 20 annual vacation/CME days

Flexible Spending Accounts

Group term life insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel assistance and business travel accident insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Malpractice insurance

75 percent tuition reduction for resident/fellow and dependents at Penn State campuses

Employee Assistance Program and other wellness resources

Current residents and fellows can view the full Benefits Guide on the Infonet, accessible on the Hershey campus with a valid login.

Employee Discounts

Penn State Health has partnered with Abenity to offer not only local discounts but also national offers and discounts as well. Through the Abenity discount portal, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center employees can access a comprehensive group of local and national discounts and offers for hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, spas, theme parks and more as well as concierge services.

Current residents and fellows can register or login here.

Sample Resident Agreement

The Office of Graduate Medical Education provides a sample resident agreement for participants in ACGME-accredited physician residencies. Other programs may use alternate agreements.

See printable sample resident agreement.

This Resident Agreement, dated today, [date], 20[yy], by and between Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation (hereinafter "Hospital") and [resident first and last name and credentials] currently residing at [resident full street address] (hereinafter "Resident").

Recitals

Hospital offers a graduate medical education program ("Residency Program") in [program title], accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Hospital has offered a position in the Residency Program to Resident, and Resident has agreed to accept the position, on the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement.

In consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Resident Agreement and intending to be legally bound, Hospital and Resident agree that Resident shall assume a position in the Residency Program on the terms and conditions set forth below.

Operative Provisions

Duration of Appointment and Acceptance of Position
Resident accepts the position of [status] year resident in the Residency Program for the period of [start date] through [end date] (the "Resident Agreement Period"). During the term of this Resident Agreement, Resident agrees to perform such duties of Hospital and its affiliated institutions which are part of the Residency Program conscientiously, to the best of Resident's ability, and under the highest standard of professional ethics. The term of this Agreement may not exceed one (1) year unless renewed in writing by Hospital authorized representatives.

Renewal of Residency Agreement
Renewal of this Agreement is dependent upon satisfactory progress by the Resident as determined solely by evaluation of the Resident's performance by the Residency Program Director. Reappointment of Resident to a subsequent contract period requires execution of the Resident Agreement Renewal, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to confer upon Resident an automatic right of renewal.

Financial Support
Resident shall receive financial support from Hospital in the from of an annual stipend of [compensation], to be paid in twenty-six (26) bi-weekly installments, subject to all deductions required by state and federal law and such other deductions authorized by Resident in accordance with Hospital policy.

Resident Responsibilities

Licensure to Practice Medicine
Resident shall maintain, throughout the Resident Agreement Period and any subsequent renewal(s), a valid graduate medical training license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine or the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine. Resident is not permitted to begin training at Hospital until issued a Pennsylvania graduate medical training license. Resident agrees to provide Hospital with immediate written notification of any action which is taken or which is contemplated to be taken against the license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including but not limited to, disciplinary action such as suspension, revocation, limitation or other restrictions. Hospital shall have the option to terminate this Resident Agreement or suspend its obligations under this Resident Agreement pending the outcome of any such disciplinary proceeding.

Background Checks
All required background check and clearance record results are to be received by Penn State Health prior to the individual beginning employment with Penn State Health. When Penn State Health business needs necessitate, an employee is permitted under this policy to begin work before the final clearance record results are received and turned in to Penn State Health Human Resources provided the following are met: All required clearances shall be applied for and initiated (including completion of fingerprinting as applicable), and the required Penn State Health Employee Background Disclosure Statement is truthfully signed by the individual. Failure to comply with these provisional requirements may result in disciplinary action, including immediate termination of employment. All required and complete clearance record results must be provided to Penn State Health Human Resources within 60 days of the individual's commencement of work with Penn State Health. See HR policies athttps://pennstatehealth.ellucid.com/documents/view/91 (internal access only; login required).

Pre-Employment Drug Testing
Penn State Health conducts pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Any applicant who refuses to comply with the drug screening process or who tests positive for a non-prescribed drug will not be hired. See HR policies athttps://pennstatehealth.ellucid.com/documents/view/140 (internal access only; login required).

Reporting to Program
Resident shall be physically present and able to perform the duties associated with their position in the Residency Program on the first day of the Resident Agreement Period. All documents required, for participation in the Residency Program, as outlined and specified in the Onboarding checklist of the New Innovations System, shall be completed and submitted prior to the first day of the Resident Agreement Period. Resident understands and agrees that this Agreement will be unenforceable if Resident is ineligible or unable to be physically present and perform the duties associated with their position in the Residency Program as of the first day of the Resident Agreement Period for any reason.

Clinical Care
Resident is expected to provide competent and compassionate patient care, and to work effectively as a member of the health care team. This implies professional demeanor and conduct both in direct patient care and in communication with family members, other health care professionals, and support staff. The highest level of professionalism is expected at all times. Resident is directly responsible to the faculty attending to whom they have been assigned for all matters related to the professional care of patients.

Policies
Resident is required to follow all Penn State Health and Hospital Graduate Medical Education and Human Resources policies. See GME policies atresidency.med.psu.edu/policies and HR policies at https://pennstatehealth.ellucid.com/manuals/binder/15 (internal access only; login required).

Self-Disclosure of Criminal Activity
Resident is required to notify the Human Resources Department within 72 hours of being charged, arrested or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor by utilizing the Penn State Health Arrest and Conviction Self-Disclosure form. This includes any arrests, filing of charges or convictions that occur between the date of disclosure for a Hospital-required background check and the date of the individual's engagement with Hospital, or the date of issuance of background check results and the commencement date of the individual's engagement with Hospital. Failure to report such incidents within the required time frame may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. (See Attachment A.)

Conditions for Reappointment and Promotion
Renewal of the Resident Agreement will be based on the ACGME core competencies. Resident will be evaluated/reappointed based on patient care, medical knowledge, clinical competence, practice based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, systems-based practice, evaluations, ACGME Milestones and/or any other factors deemed necessary by the Program Director to advance to the next level in training.

Promotion, Appointment Renewal and Dismissal
All Hospital ACGME-accredited programs have a policy that outlines the criteria for promotion and/or renewal of a resident's appointment. Resident will be provided with written notice in the event Resident will not be promoted to the next level of training, the Resident Agreement will not be renewed, or Resident will be dismissed.

Grievance and Due Process
In the event of an academic or disciplinary action that could result in suspension, dismissal, non-renewal of the Resident Agreement or non-promotion to the next year of the Residency Program, Resident may utilize the process outlined in the Graduate Medical Education Grievance and Due Process Policy, available on the Graduate Medical Education website atresidency.med.psu.edu/policies/.

Professional Liability Insurance
Hospital shall provide Resident with professional liability insurance coverage as required by Pennsylvania law. Liability insurance includes legal defense and protection against awards from claims reported or filed during or after the Residency Program for acts and omissions during the Resident Agreement Period that are within the scope of the Resident's responsibilities in the Residency Program.

Health Insurance and Other Benefits
Health, dental, disability and other insurance is provided to Resident and their eligible dependents beginning on the first day of the Resident Agreement Period. Information regarding the types and associated costs of such insurance coverage and other benefits is available on the Graduate Medical Education website atresidency.med.psu.edu/what-we-offer/.

Leave of Absence
Resident is entitled to leaves of absence for vacation, parental, medical, and professional reasons. The necessity of additional training will be determined by the Program Director. The Leave of Absence Policy is available on the Graduate Medical Education website atresidency.med.psu.edu/policies.

Duty Hours (Maximum Hours of Clinical and Educational Work per Week)
Resident shall be present and available for duties assigned to Resident by the Program Director, including night, weekend or any special duty assignment which Resident may be given at the discretion of the Program Director. All requirements of the Residency Review Committee (RRC) must be met for work hours and work environment. The Program Director is responsible for the appropriate scheduling of duty time, including provision of adequate off-duty hours. Resident shall be given a monthly average of one day in seven free from clinical duties and expectations.Resident understands and agrees that the hours of duty will vary with the clinical service to which Resident is assigned from time to time. Hospital shall, however, maintain an environment conducive to the health and well-being of Resident and will make its best efforts to limit assigned duty to the customary and usual schedule for resident physicians on the service to which Resident is assigned at that time in compliance with the Clinical Experience and Education Policy, available on the Graduate Medical Education website atresidency.med.psu.edu/policies..

Moonlighting
Resident may not provide physician services to other health care institutions for remuneration outside the scope of their educational activities and regularly assigned duties of the training program unless prior and specific written notification detailing such activities is given to and written consent for such activities is obtained from the Program Director. Moonlighting shall not be approved if the Program Director believes such activities may interfere with the Resident's ability to perform their obligations and duties in the Residency Program. The Program Director's determination in this regard shall be final and does not fall within the scope of the institution's Grievance and Due Process Policy. The Moonlighting Policy is available on the Graduate Medical Education website atresidency.med.psu.edu/policies/.

Certificate of Completion
Issuance of a Certificate of Completion of the Residency Program is contingent upon the return of all Hospital property, including books, keys, equipment, etc.; completion of all medical records for which Resident is responsible; and the settling of all professional and financial obligations to Hospital.

Miscellaneous

Applicable Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Waiver of Breach
The waiver of either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or other provision hereof.

Severability
In the event any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable for any reason, the unenforceability thereof shall not affect the remainder of this agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between parties and supersedes all prior understandings. Any changes or alterations to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the parties.

Acknowledgment

Resident acknowledges reading this Agreement prior to signing.

In WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

[signed and printed name and credentials of resident]

[signed name of Edward R. Bollard, MD]
Edward R. Bollard, MD, Designated Institutional Official
Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Benefits and Agreements - Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See the benefits offered to residents and fellows in ACGME-accredited programs at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo is from a recent Wellness event sponsored by our Wellness Committee.  They had a happy hour event at Troegs Independent Brewing. This was a first of many more to come this year!

# data[].attributes.body
We had the opportunity this year to have a larger graduation party for the first time since Covid started. This photo of our residents is from our graduation ceremony on, June 18, 2022, at the Hershey Italian Lodge.

# data[].attributes.body
The end of June is a very busy time with onboarding and hosting bootcamp for our new interns, but we play just as hard as we work!  This photo and the next are from a fun evening outing during that time at Hidden Stills Spirits in Hershey.

# data[].attributes.body
2nd group photo at Hidden Stills Spirits

# data[].attributes.body
2021 Benefit summary for residents.

# data[].attributes.headline
Penn State Health & College of Medicine Virtual Tour

# data[].attributes.subject
Penn State Health & College of Medicine Virtual Tour

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

The background image is The front of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is shown

A screenshot of the Penn State College of Medicine virtual tour application.

Welcome to the Penn State College of Medicine virtual tour. We invite you to learn more about our college as well as our health care system, Penn State Health, which is where many of our students, residents and fellows train. Penn State College of Medicine is a part of a large academic medical center located in central Pennsylvania. Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 29 counties of Pennsylvania. This tour is designed as a 360-degree tour to explore our facilities in Hershey, Pa., as well as provide highlights from some of our other facilities.

Careers

Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health employ thousands of people throughout Central Pennsylvania. View our openings for faculty, clinical and staff.

Working With Us

With operations across over 100 locations, professional development programs, and opportunities to learn alongside the best and brightest in health care and education, the growth opportunities are boundless.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Virtual Tour - Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to content The background image is The front of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is shown A screenshot of the Penn State College of Medicine virtual tour application. Welcome to the Penn State College of Medicine virtual tour.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, the Program Director hosts a welcome picnic for the new incoming residents. It is a fun time for residents and their families to get to know each other. This picnic was at Dr. Galvan's home and had the benefit of a pool to cool off in on hot June night.

# data[].attributes.body
Program Director, Dr. Mary Catherine Santos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You will be greeted by our registration staff and asked to provide basic information about your injury or illness. A registered nurse will evaluate your symptoms and check your vital signs, medical history and current medications. You may be seen by a provider in triage. This will aid in beginning your workup as quickly as possible.

The triage process allows the more seriously ill or injured patients to be seen first, even if they arrive after other patients. We know that waiting can be frustrating and we want to thank you in advance for your patience.
What's next?
You will either be placed in a patient care area or in the waiting area. Our ED staff may begin tests, including labs and radiology studies, if needed. It is our goal to reevaluate your condition every two hours, but if you feel your condition has changed, let one of our staff members know immediately. Please do not eat or drink anything until first checking with one of our registered nurses.
What happens in the patient care area?
You will be examined by a physician who specializes in emergency medicine. Based on your condition, you will receive additional tests and treatments. It may take two hours or more to get your test results. A registered nurse will keep you informed about what is happening with your treatment.

You may be asked the same questions by multiple members of our team so we have the most accurate information. This is done to verify your identity and provide you with safe, high-quality care.
How long does it take for specialist consultations, lab and radiologist results?
A consultation with a provider who specializes in your illness may take at least one hour, but could take up to several hours. The following times for lab and radiology results may vary depending on patient volume and the severity of your condition.
Can I have visitors?
Get the latest information about how Penn State Health is managing COVID-19.
What happens after I am treated?
Your illness or injury may require admission to Hershey Medical Center. A staff member will transport you to an available bed. If your condition requires treatment that is not available at Hershey Medical Center, you will be transferred to an appropriate health care facility.
What happens when I am discharged?
Patients who are discharged home are given complete after-care instructions and prescriptions, as needed.
What special care do pediatric patients receive?
Our Emergency Department has an area dedicated to patients under age 18 with staff members who have special training in pediatric emergency medicine. At least one parent or legal guardian must remain with their child at all times. Blue bracelets are provided to positively link the caregiver and child.
Patient Portal
My Penn State Health is a secure website where you can schedule appointments, email your health care provider, check test results, refill prescriptions and pay your bill.
Billing
For questions about your copay or the billing process, our registration team can assist you.
We value your feedback
Our goal is to provide each patient with the highest-quality emergency medical care. If you have any questions or concerns about the care you received in the ED, please contact Patient Relations at 717-531-6311, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may also take a few moments to answer a brief, three-question survey about your visit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You will be greeted by our registration staff and asked to provide basic information about your injury or illness. A registered nurse will evaluate your symptoms and check your vital signs, medical history and current medications. You may be seen by a provider in triage.

# data[].attributes.body
We have protected education time from 7am - 11am on Thursday mornings. This education session utilized a pancreas model.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Visit Hershey & Harrisburg - Things to Do in Pennsylvania - Visit Pennsylvania

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for things to do in Pennsylvania? The Hershey Harrisburg area is a destination for family fun, grown-up getaways, and outdoor adventure. Discover exciting things to do with the kids, drink local at our craft breweries and vineyards, and explore miles of scenic trails and green spaces!

# data[].attributes.body
Our general surgery resident, Anthony Kronfli, takes you on a informative and entertaining tour of our hospital.

# data[].attributes.body
Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Penn State Health's Organizational Goal for Inclusion

In September 2020 the Penn State Health Board approved the establishment of an organizational goal for 2020-2021 that focused on five areas:

1. To establish and implement an introductory program on the definitions and impact of unconscious bias and microaggressions and the need for employees to become upstanders, which are individuals who intervene when there have been incidents of unconscious bias and microaggressions;

2. To increase the awareness of our diverse employee affinity groups and their events that increase cultural awareness;

3. To develop and deploy an interview tool (often referred to as the "Rooney Rule") to increase the diversity of interview candidates and, ultimately, increase the diversity of our new hires;

4. To increase the awareness of our newly established policies that advance a zero tolerance for willful discrimination by employees and enhance mutual respect by prohibiting discrimination by patients;

5. And to establish a hotline for individuals to report incidents of bias and microaggressions.

Our mission and vision include a commitment to providing culturally responsive care for all patients.

In September 2020, the Penn State Health Board also approved a modification of the health system's mission and vision to increase a focus on skills necessary to provide quality care for our increasingly diverse patient population. The mission now provides that we will "continually improve the health and well-being of the people of Pennsylvania and beyond..." and one of the ways we will accomplish this is by providing "patients with excellent, compassionate, culturally responsive and equitable care." Likewise, our vision is to be Pennsylvania's most trusted health care organization. One of the ways to accomplish this is by "delivering excellent care, combining the most advanced and innovative techniques in medicine with compassionate and culturally responsive service for patients, families and communities." Learn more about our specific goals around diversity, equity and inclusion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our goal is to weave inclusion principles into our daily operations - advancing an expectation of mutual respect and understanding. Our mission and vision include a commitment to providing culturally responsive care for all patients.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Penn State Childrens Hospital Expansion Tour - October 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Penn State Children's Hospital Expansion Tour - October 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take a tour of Penn State Children's Hospital expansion and learn more about the exiting new additions and features within this important facility. Penn State Children's Hospital is expanding to meet the needs of children and families in central Pennsylvania who count on us for care.

# data[].attributes.body
Our program includes two years of research time occurring after the second clinical year. This a photo of one of our current research residents, Austin Portolese, presenting at ASCRS.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

Central Pennsylvania is known for its natural beauty, low cost of living and diverse experiences. Just like the surrounding area, Penn State College of Medicine offers an inclusive and welcoming environment toward people from all walks of life.

While you're here, you're part of a community working to impact and improve Central PA, making this region a happy and healthy place to live.

Where's Hershey?

Hershey is next door to the state capital, Harrisburg, historic Lancaster and Gettysburg. And it's easy to get to some of the Mid-Atlantic's largest metros.

Philadelphia (1.5 hours)

Baltimore (1.5 hours)

New York City (2.5 hours)

Washington, D.C. (2.5 hours)

Pittsburgh (3.5 hours)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to content Central Pennsylvania is known for its natural beauty, low cost of living and diverse experiences. Just like the surrounding area, Penn State College of Medicine offers an inclusive and welcoming environment toward people from all walks of life.

# data[].attributes.body
We asked our residents to try and capture what it was like to be a resident in our program.  We didn't want a stuffy, over produced video.  We wanted to showcase our best assets, our residents, and we think they succeeded!

# data[].attributes.body
A brief history of our hospital.

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Saunders leading an education session.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Derry Township has a population of 24,679, and was established in 1729. Derry became a part of Dauphin County in 1785. Derry Township is a Second Class Township governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected at-large for six-year terms. The Board of Supervisors is the governing body responsible for maintaining a fiscally sound, healthy, safe community for the residents of Derry Township through executing legislation, creating policies, levying taxes, authorizing expenditures, and overseeing the management of the Township.

The Township's municipal services include public safety, public works, parks and recreation, community development, administration, the recycling center, and library services. Fire protection services are provided by the Hershey Volunteer Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services are provided by the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
View more about Derry Township in our New Resident Handbook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Derry Township has a population of 24,679, and was established in 1729. Derry became a part of Dauphin County in 1785. Derry Township is a Second Class Township governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected at-large for six-year terms. The Board of Supervisors is the governing body responsible for maintaining a fiscally sound, healthy, [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The General Surgery Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a five-year, ACGME-accredited program that admits five residents per year.

Program Details

The goal of the General Surgery Residency is to provide the highest level of training to develop leaders in the practice of clinical and academic surgery. The program provides the opportunity for residents to learn in-depth the fundamentals of basic science as they are applied to clinical surgery, while also learning the surgical skills necessary to undertake the most complex and demanding surgical conditions.

The program provides outstanding experience in the preoperative, operative and postoperative care of patients in all areas that constitute the essential components of general surgery as specified by the ACGME and Surgical Review.

Through rotations at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Children's Hospital, Wellspan Surgical Specialists in Lebanon (Good Samaritan Hospital), UMPC Pinnacle Harrisburg and UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic, residents are exposed to the entire spectrum of general surgery, from a community hospital setting to a large quaternary referral and Level I Trauma Center.

The fully accredited program is approved to graduate five chief residents in general surgery per year. The first two years of the program are designed to provide a core experience in the principal components of general surgery and the surgical subspecialities. After the second year, many residents choose to pursue two years of additional training in areas such as basic science research, surgical education or health care delivery and outcomes research. Laboratory experience of two years is encouraged and available to those who wish to pursue an academic career. The third through fifth years of training are to provide an in-depth experience in trauma, acute care surgery, surgical oncology, endocrine surgery, minimally invasive surgery, vascular surgery, colon and rectal surgery and pediatric surgery.

The entire process provides a broad-based and well-balanced experience in surgery that allows graduates to be well-qualified to pursue advanced training in various fellowships as well as subsequent career paths in either academic or private-practice settings.

The program's educational component is robust and offers each resident an extensive experience in didactic learning, surgical skills development and simulation training. In addition to weekly lectures by attendings, the program also utilizes weekly conferences, specialized small group sessions and one-on-one mentoring. Through the Clinical Simulation Center, residents have the opportunity to train on the latest in laparoscopic and clinical training simulators, to practice their surgical skills through biologic training sessions and to develop their team skills while participating in crisis resource management clinical scenarios.

The Simulation Center is a Level I American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Education Institute as well as a Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) and Fundamental of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) approved test site.

In addition to the basic and clinical sciences, the program has incorporated topics such as ethics and residents as teachers into its curriculum.

Up to five individuals are selected as categorical general surgery residents, and eight are selected for the non-designated preliminary track. Residents from other surgical specialties also participate in the PGY-1 year, including Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Urology.

Three weeks of vacation are assigned throughout the year. In-house on-call responsibilities average every fourth to fifth night. There is a night-float rotation covering the core surgical disciplines.

Learn More about the Residency

To Apply

General Application Information

The program uses ERAS (the Electronic Residency Application Service) for recruitment and match.

Interview Process

Three interview dates are scheduled from November through January each academic year. The Friday evening prior to the interview, there is a social gathering that gives the applicants the opportunity to meet the residents in a relaxed atmosphere.

The interviews occur the next day and consist of three formal interviews: two with faculty members and one with a senior-level resident. Between interviews, the applicant has the opportunity to interact with residents and faculty and to tour Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The interview day concludes with lunch with the faculty and residents. Afterward, the candidates are free to depart, and are encouraged to take time to explore all that there is to do in the Hershey area.

Faculty

There are several services on which residents rotate during the five clinical years.

About Penn State Health

Virtual Tour

A new-for-2020 virtual tour showcases locations across Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pa.

Explore the virtual tour

Penn State Health

Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 29 counties of Pennsylvania. Its mission is to improve health through patient care, research, education and community outreach.

In December 2017, the system partnered with Highmark Health to facilitate creation of a value-based, community care network in the region. The shared goal of Highmark and Penn State Health is to ensure patients in the community are within:

10 minutes of a Penn State Health primary care provider

20 minutes of Penn State Health specialty care

30 minutes of a Penn State Health acute care facility

Learn more about Penn State Health
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

500 University Dr., Hershey, Pa., 17033 (Derry Township, Dauphin County)

The health system's 548-bed flagship teaching and research hospital

The only medical facility in Pennsylvania accredited as both an adult and a pediatric Level I (highest-level) trauma center

Dedicated surgical, neuroscience, cardiovascular, trauma and medical intensive care units

Accredited Life Lion critical-care transport providing more than 1,100 helicopter and approximately 750 ground ambulance transports per year

More than 1,300 faculty members and more than 650 residents and fellows

Approximately 28,500 admissions, 75,000 emergency department visits, 1.1 million outpatient visits and 32,000 surgical procedures annually

Designated as a Magnet hospital three times

Learn more about Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State Children's Hospital

600 University Dr., Hershey, Pa. 17033 (Derry Township, Dauphin County)

A five-story, 263,000-square-foot-facility built in 2013

Three-floor expansion due to open in 2020

Level IV (highest-level) neonatal intensive care unit

Level I (highest-level) pediatric trauma center designation

Dedicated pediatric operating rooms

More than 150,000 pediatric outpatient visits and approximately 5,000 pediatric patient discharges annually

Learn more about Penn State Children's Hospital

About Hershey: Benefits, Stipends and More

Welcome to Hershey

A new-for-2020 guide to the Hershey, Pa., area showcases the highlights of life in central Pennsylvania.

Learn more about the Hershey area

More About Hershey

Interested in learning more about living and working in Hershey, Pa.? See details here:

Wellness Initiatives

Fellow wellness, including emotional, spiritual, social and physical health, is a crucial component to training and to becoming a professional, compassionate and resilient physician. Self-care is a skill which must be continually practiced and reinforced. Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health are committed to addressing wellness, with multiple resources readily available.

Institutional resources

Graduate medical education resources

Curriculum Details

Curriculum Overview

Overall Training Program

The General Surgery Residency is structured to provide residents with graduated responsibilities in the primary components of general surgery over five years of training. Each year is constructed to build on the experiences of the preceding level.

The core curriculum in general surgery is designed to provide residents with a strong knowledge base in the fundamentals of diagnosis and treatment of surgical diseases. The overall schedule is structured on SCORE (Surgical Council on Resident Education) and is on a two-year cycle. The curriculum is highly integrated with didactic sessions, case-based learning lectures, surgical techniques and skills sessions.

The teaching of medical students assigned to the service is an important aspect of daily responsibilities for residents.

Three hours of protected time every Thursday morning are devoted to education. Each Thursday morning generally consists of a one-hour lecture on a SCOPE-based topic. The subsequent two hours may then be spent in case-based learning, small group seminars and simulation skills sessions.

The overall objective is to develop residents through in-depth experience in managing surgical patients in a variety of situations and disciplines while developing basic surgical technical skills.

First and Second Years

The first and second years of the General Surgery Residency are designed to provide the individual with the experience necessary to develop a foundation in the core components of general surgery and the surgery subspecialties.

The first-year resident has primary responsibility for directing the pre- and postoperative care of patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings under the direct supervision of a senior resident and attending surgeon. These responsibilities include history and physical examinations, daily management of inpatient service and participation in approved-level surgical presentations.

In July and August, there is a special Fundamentals of Surgery intern course designed to review basic clinical management scenarios and patient management problems.

Throughout the year, there are also separate intern skills sessions to allow the first-year residents to further develop and practice basic surgical techniques and procedures.

The second year builds on these experiences while introducing the responsibilities of surgical consultation.

Third through Fifth Years

In the third through fifth years, service leadership is stressed.

Rotation Locations

Penn State Health, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Children's Hospital

Learn more about the health system and hospitals here.

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg is a 400-bed urban community hospital in the city of Harrisburg, Pa. It provides advanced medical and surgical care to its surrounding area.

UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic

UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic is located off Union Deposit Road in suburban Harrisburg, Pa., approximately 20 minutes from Hershey. The Osteopathic campus includes an acute-care hospital, medical sciences pavilion, cancer center, outpatient center and multiple physician practices and specialty offices.

Wellspan Surgical Specialists in Lebanon (Good Samaritan Hospital)

The Wellspan Surgical Specialists in Lebanon (Good Samaritan Hospital) rotation is located in Lebanon, Pa., approximately 30 minutes from Hershey. This rotation provides a high-volume, general surgery experience that may include, but is not limited to, open abdominal surgery, laparoscopic and robotic operations, as well as both upper and lower endoscopy. While the experience will be highly operative with several days per week spent in the operating room, the residents will also attend outpatient clinic to evaluate patients both pre- and post-operatively.

Conferences

In addition to division-specific conferences and the Thursday morning education conference, there are three mandatory conferences for the General Surgery Residency.

Morbidity and Mortality Conference

Morbidity and Mortality Conference occurs at 7 a.m. Thursdays. Residents are responsible for presenting cases that are chosen for their educational and management learning points. The assigned resident is expected to develop a PowerPoint presentation and to review it with the responsible attending prior to the conference.

Grand Rounds Conferences

Grand Rounds with visiting professors occur at 5 p.m. every Thursday.

Journal Club

Journal Club takes place monthly during the academic year and is incorporated into the Thursday Education Conference.

Division-Specific Conferences

Many divisions have their own specialty-based conferences. A representative schedule may include the following:

Colon and Rectal Surgery

Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery

Pediatric Surgery

Plastic Surgery

Surgical Oncology

Trauma/Critical Care

Vascular Surgery

Career Development and Research

Career Development in Research

The Department of Surgery has a broad research program, and all divisions maintain active basic research labs or clinical research labs.

As part of an academic institution, the expectation is that most, if not all, of the surgical residents will spend a two-year period immersed in basic science or clinical research.

Prospective residents should expect to spend two years pursuing career development in research that helps to better prepare them for their future medical careers.

Current and past residents have taken the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees during this time period, and the opportunity exists to complete a number of master's degree programs through Penn State or Penn State World Campus.

Residents have also participated in laboratories outside of the department, both within Penn State College of Medicine and other institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, returning after their career-development years to resume clinical training in Hershey.

While residents are encouraged to pursue external funding sources, limited support is available through the Department of Surgery for qualified individuals and projects.

Learn More About Research

Degree Programs

The possibility of pursuing an advanced degree in a number of areas within the Penn State system exists during the two years of career development between the second and third clinical years. Degrees available include:

Master of Education

Master of Business Administration

Master of Science

Master of Public Health

Master of Health Administration

Global Surgery

Mission

The mission of the Penn State Health Global Surgery Program is accomplished through the mission objectives. In addition to the research objective, the program also seeks to provide training and mentorship in global surgery for staff, residents, fellows and medical students. The purpose of the training is to develop future leaders in global surgery that will have the skills to continue working abroad, as well as at home, to increase health and prosperity around the globe. The assets available at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center provide a world-class foundation in humanitarian health care, medical health systems and global medical ethics.

Vision

The program's vision is to educate future leaders in global surgery while promoting positive changes in accessing and providing essential surgical care. The central focus of the program is to address the burden of surgical disease in impoverished areas through research, innovation and sustained collaboration with host nation partners.

Understanding the epidemiology of surgical diseases in low-resource countries requires an understanding of the local environment as well as precise data collection. This can best be accomplished by working alongside clinicians overseas and developing processes that identify the host nation's surgical priorities. These data will be used to find innovative solutions to medical problems, identify priorities for translational research and provide opportunities to increase the research infrastructure within the host nations.

Objectives

Increase surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

Conduct novel research in low resource settings to identify the epidemiology of surgical diseases in impoverished areas and barriers to accessing safe surgical care.

Provide mentorship in global surgery for residents, fellows and medical students in order to prepare them for service in low-resource settings.

Embody the core values of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center - respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence - in the practice of global surgery.

Global Surgery Team

Resident Honors and Recognitions

Conference Presentations

General Surgery Residency trainees have presented both podium and poster presentations at many conferences, including:

AAMC Integrated Quality Meeting

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Summit

Academic Surgical Congress (Society of University Surgeons)

ACGME Annual Education Conference and ACGME-CLER (Clinical Learning Environment Review) Conference

Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Crohn's and Colitis Foundations' Clinical and Research Conference

American Association of Thoracic Surgeons American College of Surgeons

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program National Conference

American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions

American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer

American Heart Association Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary

Association American Professional Wound Care Association Meeting

American Society for Clinical Pathology Annual Meeting

American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting

American Society of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgeons

Annual Conference on Shock

Annual Congress of American Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association

Annual Hernia Repair Symposium

Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma

Annual Meeting of the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society

Annual Metabolic Diseases World Summit

Annual Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer

Association for Academic Surgery-Annual Academic Surgical Congress

Association for Surgical Education

Biological and Medical Data Analysis, International Symposium

Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons Annual Meeting

Central Surgical Association

Clinical Robotic Surgery Association Worldwide Congress

Clinical Meeting of the Frederick A. Coller Surgical Society

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Conference

Design of Medical Devices Conference

Digestive Disease Week ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer

European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy

Experimental Biology

Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting

International Conference on Na,K-ATPase and Related Cation Pumps

International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference

International Pediatric Endosurgery Group Annual Congress

Keystone American College of Surgeons

Minimally Invasive Surgery Week

Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons

Pediatric Trauma Society Annual Meeting

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Grand Rounds

Pennsylvania Colon and Rectal Society

Pennsylvania Society of Bariatric Surgery

Regional Cancer Therapies

SAGES

Sanctuary of Endovascular Therapy Meeting

Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting

Society for Vascular Ultrasound Annual Conference

Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons Minimally Invasive Surgery Week

Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting

Society of Surgical Oncology Annual Cancer Symposium

Surgical Education Week

The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract

Western Thoracic Surgical Association

World Conference for Abdominal Wall Hernia Surgery

World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery

World Congress on Health Economics

Exceptional Teachers

Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center accept ongoing nominations for the Exceptional Moments in Teaching award.

The award, given monthly by the Office for a Respectful Learning Environment, accepts nominations from College of Medicine students who are invited to submit narratives about faculty members, residents, fellows, nurses or any other educators who challenge them and provide an exceptional learning experience. See more about the award here.

Previous nominees from the General Surgery Residency are listed here. Click the + next to a nominee name to read their nominator's comments.

Publications

General Surgery Residency trainees have published in many journals and written book chapters, including items for:

American Journal of Surgery

American Journal of Physiology

Anatomical Record

Annals of Surgery

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Annals of Vascular Surgery

Archives of Surgery

Bioactive Materials

Biochemistry

Biomolecules

Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons

Cancer

Clinical Oncology in Adolescents and Young Adults

Clinical Radiology

Colorectal Disease

Critical Care Medicine

Diseases of the Colon and Rectum

Digestive Diseases and Sciences

Endocrinology

Endoscopy

Fertility and Sterility

Frontiers in Microbiology

Gastric Cancer

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Health Services Insights Hernia : The Journal of Hernias and Abdominal Wall Surgery

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine

International Journal of Surgical Pathology

Journal of Arthroplasty

Journal of Crohn's and Colitis

Journal of Clinical Oncology

Journal of Emergency Medicine

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

Journal of Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery

Journal of Reproductive Immunology

Journal of Robotic Surgery

Journal of Surgical Research

Journal of Surgical Oncology

Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

Journal of the CardioMetabolic Syndrome

Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons

Journal of Trauma

Microscopy Research and Technique

Obesity

Oncology Reports

Pediatric Emergency Care

Pediatric Radiology

Surgery

Surgical Endoscopy

The American Surgeon

The Breast Journal

World Journal of Emergency General Surgery

World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Resident/Fellow Research Day Presentations

The annual Resident/Fellow Research Day is held each summer on and around the Penn State Health Milton S. Medical Center campus in Hershey, PA.

The intent of the event is to provide an opportunity for residents and fellows to showcase their research accomplishments to their peers in other clinical departments, as well as their colleagues in the basic sciences.

Learn more about Resident/Fellow Research Day here.

Previous presentations from the General Surgery Residency are listed here.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
General Surgery Residency - Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The General Surgery Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a five-year, ACGME-accredited program that admits five residents per year. The goal of the General Surgery Residency is to provide the highest level of training to develop leaders in the practice of clinical and academic surgery.

# data[].attributes.headline
Partners in Medicine (PIM) at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

# data[].attributes.subject
Partners in Medicine (PIM) at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Partners in Medicine - Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn more about Partners in Medicine, a support and social group for spouses of medical students, residents, fellows and new attending physicians at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo is from our sorting ceremony from last year. Some of our residents representing their house with their new surgical cap and house flag.