The Children's Medical Center acts as a regional pediatric center for Northeaster Ohio extending from Akron to the southeastern portion of the state. Through this rotation the residents are exposed to a large volume of congenital anomalies and pediatric procedures, including cranio-facial surgery, performed at Children's Hospital. The Regional Burn Unit is also located at Children's Hospital. Akron General Medical Center exposes the residents to a large volume of general plastic surgery, including orthognathic and cosmetic surgery. The progression of resident responsibility depends on their individual talents and aptitudes. However, residents are expected to take on a greater and greater role in patient management and to perform increasing amounts of surgery as the primary surgeon acting as an independent operator.

Conference


In addition to the monthly hand conference, pediatric conference, head and neck conference, oral board preparation and journal club, there is a weekly core curriculum conference in plastic surgery that is designed to augment the clinical exposure. The conferences are often multidisciplinary. Residents are encouraged to attend national meetings and symposiums paid for by the hospital during their two-year training experience.

Research

A separate isolated research experience is not included in the plastic surgery curriculum. However, each resident is required to present a research paper at a national, regional or local scientific meeting each year. Research activities are coordinated through our Research Committee. The committee meets annually to review the projects with the residents and to direct the research effort. Research projects may also be developed with the Bioengineering Department of the University of Akron. Animal laboratories and microsurgical facilities are available at both Summa Health System and Akron General Medical Center.

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This article is reposted with thanks to Summa Medical Education.

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