Navy Surgery GME

[Maverick10]

For all the Navy docs out there, what do y'all know about the strength of the Navy's surgical residency programs? I've heard some pretty concerning things about other branches programs, all of which seemed to highlight the fact that residents aren't getting the necessary experience--mainly b/c there's just not enough cases. Is this true for the Navy as well? Do you think I could get a hold of current surgical residents to get their assessment?

With that, I have my sights set on Cardiothoracic surgery, but I'm not sure if Navy GME is the way to go anymore. My absolute top priority is getting the best training that I can. Considering that, I see my options as follows:

1) Apply for Civilian deferment. If APPROVED-->train civilian and then serve out my ADO as a board certified CT surgeon.

2) If DENIED-->complete a Surgical PGY-1, then probably fulfill my ADO as a GMO, then resign my commission in order to attend a Civilian residency. (*If I serve my time as a GMO, would it be better to do a medicine or transitional internship in order to be more prepared for GMO assignments, or should I still do a Surgical internship so that it might count towards my civilian residency training?)

3) Apply for Navy Surgery PGY-1, then apply for Navy General Surgery PGY2-5 (if I find out it's good training at the time), then request Civilian CT fellowship & serve ADO as CT surgeon. (If not granted permission for civilian fellowship-->serve out ADO as a General Surgeon and then head to Civilian fellowship.)

What do y'all think about all of this? Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[IgD]

Does anyone know how many active duty CT surgeons there are? I was under the impression there were less than 5 if any at all.

 

[Jarfr]

1) Apply for Civilian deferment. If APPROVED-->train civilian and then serve out my ADO as a board certified CT surgeon.

2) If DENIED-->complete a Surgical PGY-1, then probably fulfill my ADO as a GMO, then resign my commission in order to attend a Civilian residency. (*If I serve my time as a GMO, would it be better to do a medicine or transitional internship in order to be more prepared for GMO assignments, or should I still do a Surgical internship so that it might count towards my civilian residency training?)

3) Apply for Navy Surgery PGY-1, then apply for Navy General Surgery PGY2-5 (if I find out it's good training at the time), then request Civilian CT fellowship & serve ADO as CT surgeon. (If not granted permission for civilian fellowship-->serve out ADO as a General Surgeon and then head to Civilian fellowship.)

I can't comment on the number of active duty CT surgeons, but I can comment a little on the fellowship options above. I'm an active duty general surgeon in fellowship currently (not CT).

1 - If you go this option, you will have to do a utilization tour as a general surgeon (1-3 years) before you'll be able to do a fellowship. I have not heard of anyone being able to do both deferred in continuity.

2 - Really the only option if you want to do your CT fellowship immediately after residency. Realize that your GMO tour could be up to 4 years. Do you want to go back to a surgical residency at that point?

3 - Again, you'll likely do a utilization tour before fellowship.

As for the quality of the military residencies compared to a civilian one, I think they're pretty solid. I trained in a civilian program, but have served on active duty with both civilian trained and military trained surgeons. The military trained was solid in surgical technique. He may not have done as many Whipples as a university-trained resident, but you're likely not going to do many in practice (if any). I personally would compare the military residencies to a solid community-style residency.

I hope that helps some.

 

[NavyFP]

Does anyone know how many active duty CT surgeons there are? I was under the impression there were less than 5 if any at all.

Bethesda has 3 and is losing 2 this summer.

 

[Maverick10]

Bethesda has 3 and is losing 2 this summer.

Wow, so does this mean there really isn't a need for CT surgeons in MILMED or is more likely that there are just very few who of them who choose to practice in the military?

Also, can I take away from this that if I want good CT training then I should probably just plan on fulfilling my ADO as a GMO and then head back to the civilian world for residency?

 

[IgD]

Wow, so does this mean there really isn't a need for CT surgeons in MILMED or is more likely that there are just very few who of them who choose to practice in the military?

Also, can I take away from this that if I want good CT training then I should probably just plan on fulfilling my ADO as a GMO and then head back to the civilian world for residency?

I don't know the answers to your questions. I do know that military service members are generally very healthy and its difficult for retirees to access the system so the need for CT surgery is probably lower than in the community.