Internship in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - 4 Yr Program

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cdnbacon

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  1. Resident [Any Field]
My name is Stephen Cho, and I'm the Chief Resident of the OMFS Program
here in Rochester NY. I'd like to let you know that we have an
internship position available for the upcoming 2008/2009 academic
year.

About our program:
- Our Chair is Dr. Lee Pollan, current President of the American
Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

- our program is a 4-yr program, and currently takes 1 resident/yr

- we cover two hospitals:
1) Strong Memorial Hospital - where our clinic is and where we do the
majority of our operating. It is a Level I Trauma Center, with 36
ORs, 750 beds. We have an associated GPR clinic (8 residents) who
work closely with us.
2) Rochester General Hospital - a "Top 100 Heart Hospital" associated
with the Mayo Clinic. Level II Trauma Center, 528 beds, GPR program
(5 residents). We operate infrequently out of this hospital

- we are also affiliated with:
1) Eastman Dental Center - a graduate dental center with
ortho/prostho/perio/peds/AEGD/TMJ Fellowship. Set up by Mr. Eastman
of Eastman-Kodak fame (your film cameras!), this is a research
powerhouse.

- our clinical rotations are:
1) PGY 1 - on service 8 months, 4 months Anesthesia
2) PGY 2 - on service 9 months, 2 months Internal Medicine, 1 month
Burn/Trauma ICU
3) PGY 3 - on service 8 months, 1 month each of Plastics/ENT/General
Surgery/Trauma Surgery
4) PGY 4 - on service +/- 12 months, depending on elective rotations
that you decide to set up

- our Call is set up as follows:
1) *all* on-service call is from home - not in-house (however, some of
the rotations the PGY's [ICU, Trauma] require in-house call). the bulk of call
is typically shared between the Intern, 1st year, 2nd year, and
occassionally the 3rd year.
2) "Regular Call" - we are always on "regular call" which consists of
covering any questions/complications from our clinic/surgery patients, and
occassionally covering our attending's patients. We are also backup
call for the GPRs (they take the primary tooth call) - we only help
them out typically if there's an infection or dentoalveolar fracture
they can't handle. This call is typically pretty light - I'd be surprised if you received any pages at all when on regular call.
3) "Trauma Call" - every third week, again, from home. Facial Trauma
Call is shared equally with Plastics & ENT (who take the other two
weeks of Face Call). *ANY* maxillofacial trauma is within the scope
of our Facial Call (not just mandible fractures). For example, our
last trauma call involved a gun shot suicide attempt where the
mandible, maxilla, the nose, and all associated soft tissues were
involved. We've also treated frontal sinus fractures, ZMC fx,
pan-face fx etc etc etc This call is typically more unpredictable - some nights you get nothing, and others you're slammed.

- Our program practices the full-scope of Oral & Maxillofacial
Surgery. The orthognathic surgery component of our program is the
strongest, as we perform approximately 120-150 cases per yer (about
200 jaws). As mentioned above, our Facial Trauma is the full-scope of
facial trauma surgery, and includes any bone or soft tissue on the
face. Pathology & Reconstruction cases (cysts, tumours, major
bone-grafting etc) are operated whenever they present or are referred.

- Dentoalveolar clinical experience for the intern will be excellent,
as the Intern & 1st Year will be responsible for running the clinic.
This involves ANY of the extraction cases or sedations that are
scheduled, as well as follow-ups and consults. Typically, there will
be 3-5 3rd molar +/- sedation cases scheduled during the day, as well
as single-tooth extractions, biopsies, alveoloplasties etc.

- Implant experience is excellent. Our clinic places mainly Straumann,
Nobel, & Zimmer. However, there is no restriction on the system that
is used. Any associated bone or soft-tissue grafting is also performed
for the patients. There is also an opportunity to work closely with
the Prostho dept for larger/complicated cases.

Rochester, NY is an Upstate NY city mid-way between Buffalo &
Syracuse. It is the headquarters for Eastman-Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, and
Xerox. Cultural events include concerts by the Eastman School of Music
and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, plays at the Geva Theater, and
numerous winter and summertime festivals. Summer time activities
include boating on the Finger Lakes, exploring the multiple nearby
national parks, or visiting Charlotte Beach. Winter activities include
nearby skiing, skating, etc. Rochester is a 3-hr drive to Toronto,
Canada, and 6-hr drive to New York City.

This internship will appeal to anyone who is interested in gaining
more experience prior to entering an OMFS residency. You will gain
exposure to the full-scope of OMFS practice, as well as invaluable
hospital & clinical experience.

For more information, or with questions, please contact:

1) Dr. Lee Pollan (Program Chair), 585-275-1133, [email protected]

2) Dr. Joseph Fantuzzo (Program Director), 585-275-1133,
[email protected]

3) Dr. Stephen Cho (Chief Resident), [email protected]
 
steve
who did you guys end up matching this year.
 
Mark Armanious? That guy took my amalgam well with him when he graduated...

They look...expensive.

Behind everyman, lies...his...nucleus.
Great movie.
Anyway...caught redhanded!

cdnbacon:
Does your program do externships and do you have info on this as well?
Thanks.
 
cdnbacon:
Does your program do externships and do you have info on this as well?
Thanks.


Yes we've had externs in the past. I'm not 100% sure about who to contact, but will find out & post on Monday.
 
How many times have you guys taken your intern the following year for the full time position?

We haven't had an intern in a while, so unfortunately that question doesn't apply to the recent past. However, our current 3rd year was an intern in the remote past, then went on to private practice (as a GP) for several years before re-applying and eventually getting in.

The pretty obvious thrust of your question is: if I'm an intern with you, will I get in the following year?

The truthful answer is: I don't know. As you're aware, there are multiple factors that go into picking a resident. Previous experience is one factor, as are personality, references, academic record, board scores etc etc etc.

My consistent advice to people regarding internships/externships (or anything else) is this: you have a *potential* advantage where you intern for the simple fact that, when application time comes around, you're a known quantity. If you work hard, read as much as you can, and make good impressions, that can only help your application. However, I say "potential" because, if you consider the flip side, you may not get along with the people who matter, or they may not like you for whatever reason, or we may find that you simply don't work well the people or system, and you'll be black-listed and rejected. That holds true for ANY program that you intern at or apply to.

So the real reason that you do an internship is to gain additional experience that will strengthen your CV for ALL of your upcoming applications, not just the program that you're interning at. And that's what you want to get out of it as well - a well-rounded experience where you can see a lot, do a lot, and learn a lot.

Our program at University of Rochester offers that to you in a friendly, non-malignant environment. As I mentioned in the original post, our program does a ton of orthognathic surgery, has an excellent trauma experience, and will prepare you well for the simple & advanced dentoalveolar surgery & bone grafting - all of the bread & butter of Oral Surgery. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to work hard and gain the experience that will help with their applications in the future.

So if you do this internship, can I guarantee that you'll get in next year? No.

If you do this internship, can I guarantee that you'll gain invaluable experience? Yes.
 
We haven't had an intern in a while, so unfortunately that question doesn't apply to the recent past. However, our current 3rd year was an intern in the remote past, then went on to private practice (as a GP) for several years before re-applying and eventually getting in.

The pretty obvious thrust of your question is: if I'm an intern with you, will I get in the following year?

The truthful answer is: I don't know. As you're aware, there are multiple factors that go into picking a resident. Previous experience is one factor, as are personality, references, academic record, board scores etc etc etc.

My consistent advice to people regarding internships/externships (or anything else) is this: you have a *potential* advantage where you intern for the simple fact that, when application time comes around, you're a known quantity. If you work hard, read as much as you can, and make good impressions, that can only help your application. However, I say "potential" because, if you consider the flip side, you may not get along with the people who matter, or they may not like you for whatever reason, or we may find that you simply don't work well the people or system, and you'll be black-listed and rejected. That holds true for ANY program that you intern at or apply to.

So the real reason that you do an internship is to gain additional experience that will strengthen your CV for ALL of your upcoming applications, not just the program that you're interning at. And that's what you want to get out of it as well - a well-rounded experience where you can see a lot, do a lot, and learn a lot.

Our program at University of Rochester offers that to you in a friendly, non-malignant environment. As I mentioned in the original post, our program does a ton of orthognathic surgery, has an excellent trauma experience, and will prepare you well for the simple & advanced dentoalveolar surgery & bone grafting - all of the bread & butter of Oral Surgery. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to work hard and gain the experience that will help with their applications in the future.

So if you do this internship, can I guarantee that you'll get in next year? No.

If you do this internship, can I guarantee that you'll gain invaluable experience? Yes.

I realize there is no such thing as a guaranteed spot but I know some programs who, on the contrary, NEVER (as in written into their contract) take their interns b/c they don't want to be known as a feeder program...especially programs who only take one resident a year. Which is the reason I ask. Also, why the sudden need for the intern? Don't have to answer that if you don't want to but I'm just curious. Good luck with your search.
 
I realize there is no such thing as a guaranteed spot but I know some programs who, on the contrary, NEVER (as in written into their contract) take their interns b/c they don't want to be known as a feeder program

I see your point. However, I'm fairly sure that this is not the case here. While it's something that needs to be discussed when you sign your contract, I don't forsee any reason why an intern at this program wouldn't have as good a chance as anyone during application season.

Also, why the sudden need for the intern? Don't have to answer that if you don't want to but I'm just curious. Good luck with your search.

Couple reasons.
1) We have an expectation that there will be more work than a single 1st-year can reasonably handle this coming academic year.
2) I would like to raise the profile of the program from which I graduate, and of which I am justifiably proud. While I am new to SDN, a quick search only revealed a few posts about our program. I feel that we've got a good hands-on, surgical program, that prepares you well for life as a practicing Oral Surgeon, and I think that people need to know more about it.
 
I would like to raise the profile of the program from which I graduate, and of which I am justifiably proud.

While I am new to SDN, a quick search only revealed a few posts about our program. I feel that we've got a good hands-on, surgical program, that prepares you well for life as a practicing Oral Surgeon, and I think that people need to know more about it.

Congrats on nearing the end of your training!

I'm assuming Dr. Fantuzzo would do an excellent job as a craniofacial fellowship trained dual degree program director would prepare you for full scope oral "and Maxillofacial" surgery career!

(sorry… just a pet peeve of mine that people include the “maxillofacial” half of our title when referring to our specialty, some people worked quite hard to have this included and it would be a shame to loose it.)


Sounds like you guys have a great program! 👍
 
Does your program do externships and do you have info on this as well?
Thanks.

I contacted our Department Secretary and she says that applications for externships must go through the University of Rochester Registrar's Office.

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/registrar/index.cfm

If you're interested in doing an internship, in addition to contacting Drs. Pollan & Fantuzzo, you should forward all of your information (CV, references, Board Scores etc etc etc) to our Department directly.

Dr. Pollan & Dr. Fantuzzo
Department of Dentistry, Box 705
601 Elmwood Ave
Rochester, NY 14642
 
Couple reasons.
1) We have an expectation that there will be more work than a single 1st-year can reasonably handle this coming academic year.
Tell me about it. We have 12 residents here and I sometimes wish we had another intern. Can't imagine having just 4 guys around😱
2) I would like to raise the profile of the program from which I graduate, and of which I am justifiably proud. While I am new to SDN, a quick search only revealed a few posts about our program. I feel that we've got a good hands-on, surgical program, that prepares you well for life as a practicing Oral Surgeon, and I think that people need to know more about it.
Heard a lot of good things about Rochester. Sounds like a solid well rounded program. You should add your opinions here for future applicants:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=483104
 
How many times have you guys taken your intern the following year for the full time position?

Did highland kick you out?😀
 
I contacted our Department Secretary and she says that applications for externships must go through the University of Rochester Registrar's Office.

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/registrar/index.cfm

If you're interested in doing an internship, in addition to contacting Drs. Pollan & Fantuzzo, you should forward all of your information (CV, references, Board Scores etc etc etc) to our Department directly.

Dr. Pollan & Dr. Fantuzzo
Department of Dentistry, Box 705
601 Elmwood Ave
Rochester, NY 14642

Thanks a lot. I am still a lowly D2 so just gathering info.:luck:


Edit:
Do you know if the externship is observation only or is it hands on?
 
Do you know if the externship is observation only or is it hands on?

You should be able to do stuff. The real question is whether the malpractice insurance covers you - that's a question that you should ask when applying
 
Did highland kick you out?😀

Can they kick you out for NOT being Mormon at Pacific?

Thanks, mr. flat, for asking some great questions that I myself was interested to hear the answers to.👍

cdnbacon: Another question I had was about research. You mentioned there would be opportunities to get involved with projects, but I'm curious to know if many residents have taken advantage of this and how it has worked with their schedules.
 
You should be able to do stuff. The real question is whether the malpractice insurance covers you - that's a question that you should ask when applying

I think my school covers this aspect. Thanks for the replies!
 
Can they kick you out for NOT being Mormon at Pacific?

Thanks, mr. flat, for asking some great questions that I myself was interested to hear the answers to.👍

cdnbacon: Another question I had was about research. You mentioned there would be opportunities to get involved with projects, but I'm curious to know if many residents have taken advantage of this and how it has worked with their schedules.

You only have to be mormon if you got your DDS at Pacific. If you didn't, you're allowed to be female 😉
 
You mentioned there would be opportunities to get involved with projects, but I'm curious to know if many residents have taken advantage of this and how it has worked with their schedules.

Surprisingly, very few of us have chosen to take up a research project. That, however, is more from personal choice/disinterest than the paucity of potential projects. As I mentioned above, there are always potential projects running around ...
 
The program sounds all and good, but my concern is why 2 residents have quit after the first year in the recent past.
 
The program sounds all and good, but my concern is why 2 residents have quit after the first year in the recent past.

Yes, we've had two residents quit in the past. I can, obviously, give you only one side of the opinion.

The first resident was on anaesthesia rotation for the first 4 months (July - October), and was back on OMFS service in november for 2 weeks before he quit. I personally don't feel that 2 weeks is enough to make an informed decision about staying or quitting. I feel that he didn't have the personality or mindset to work well on a team or with an OMFS service, as he had a problem taking orders and with authority.

The second resident who quit stayed just over a year. Without getting into HIPAA-related detail, I will just say that he created a number of problems for himself. He ultimately decided that an OMFS residency did not suit his personality or his family life, and decided to withdraw.

Again, you only have my side of the story. If you know those residents, you should probably ask them what they think.

Let me say this about our program: it is as benign and family-friendly as they come. My philosphy as a Chief (and the philosphy of those who came before me, for at least the last 4-5 yrs), is that you get the work done, then you go home and spend time with the people who matter. Spend as little time at the hospital as possible.

However, priority #1 is to get the work done, and that (as you know) involves reading about what you're doing, listening to your senior residents, staying late, working hard, and occasionally/unfortunately missing things that you would otherwise want to do or attend. The two residents who quit had various issues with the above, and decided that they would rather not be in the program. They are both currently practicing as general dentists and (as far as I know) have no plans to pursue OMFS. OMFS is not for everyone, and they unfortunately only found out after they got here. I wish them well.

I guess the ultimate moral of the story is that there are some sacrifices that you and your family have to make when entering residency (and an internship for that matter). These are things that should be discussed with your significant others before you apply and make a (long) commitment. You should carefully evaluate whether you're willing to make those sacrifices, and if the end goal of OMFS is worth it. If it's not, there's nothing wrong with that - your goals are just different. Better you find out before you apply than afterwards.

If you have any questions about the above, please message me so that I can do my best to answer them.
 
Steve,

I have a question. How many people does your program usually invite to interview? As someone who didn't match anywhere this year despite a large number of interviews, I am looking to maximize my chances of getting in next year after doing an internship and if invited for interviews, want to go places that have as small an interviewee:spots available ratio as possible.
 
Steve,

I have a question. How many people does your program usually invite to interview? As someone who didn't match anywhere this year despite a large number of interviews, I am looking to maximize my chances of getting in next year after doing an internship and if invited for interviews, want to go places that have as small an interviewee:spots available ratio as possible.

Depending on the quality of the applicants, anywhere from 10-15 people. But don't take that as written in stone, as there are many factors that go into inviting people for interviews.
 
Depending on the quality of the applicants, anywhere from 10-15 people. But don't take that as written in stone, as there are many factors that go into inviting people for interviews.


Those odds sound a little steep. Possibly 15:1. I would skip this one if I were you, Rat😉
 
To answer some of the questions that I've been getting in terms of requirements, please include the following with your application for our internship position:

- CV
- Letter of Intent
- Board Scores
- Dental School Transcripts
- Any references you may have

Thanks

Steve
 
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