1) The San Francisco Match program will provide a list of independent programs, while the NRMP will show integrated.
2) However, there is overlap. For example, Pittsburgh has both; 3 integrated and 1 independent. Penn State is transitioning to independent. UT Southwestern has both, taking 1 independent per year.
3) The ACGME site will detail what each program is approved for in terms of residents, years, etc., unfortunately several programs while listed as integrated and accepting residents through the NRMP Med Student match, are still showing up as if they were independent. Example: U Michigan and USF Tampa are truly integrated. The ACGME website shows the # residents for each of the 6 years, and the rotations. However, another program that accepts candidates as if they were integrated, show a 2 yr Plastic Surgery Program on the ACGME site.
Your second question is a NO. Unless they (integrated) have an unexpected opening, like SIU did for this July 2006, where they could take a resident as if he/she were independent for 2 years, you cannot transfer.
Also, the rules have changed. Please refer to the American Board of Plastic Surgery website for the Training rules and requirements.
