Surgery Medical Education Rotations

Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1)

PGY1 residents experience pre- and post-operative care in minor and major surgical procedures. They perform in level-appropriate surgical procedures under direct supervision. PGY1 residents assist with medical student teaching and also participate in teaching conferences. Three weeks of vacation are given during the first year.

Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2)

PGY2 residents have greater responsibility for patient evaluation compared to PGY1. PGY2 is a year of growth and progressive responsibility, designed as an opportunity to further develop the skills acquired as a PGY1. Residents are given four weeks of vacation during their second year.

Postgraduate Year 3 (PGY3)

PGY3 is a year in which residents refine their leadership and surgical skills. A year 3 resident should expect to serve as "chief" resident at the busy trauma surgical intensive care unit (SICU), renal and liver transplant and acute care surgery service. He or she will have a focused endoscopy experience. PGY3 residents receive four weeks of vacation.

Postgraduate Year 4 (PGY4)

As a PGY4, the resident is the most senior resident on the services listed in the sample rotation below. PGY4 residents will receive four weeks of vacation.

Postgraduate Year 5 (PGY5)

As residents enter into PGY5, they become chief on all services. With this year comes the significant responsibility of teaching in the clinical setting and in conferences. The goal for this year is to prepare the resident for independent surgical practice. Residents also are given the opportunity to serve as administrative chief resident. PGY5 residents receive four weeks of vacation.