State University of New York Downstate (Brooklyn) Program

Survey Respondent:

Richard J. Macchia, MD, Department Chair

Survey Responses:

1. If you were an applicant, why would you choose to train in your residency program?
   
   * Our residents are very confident in their surgical abilities when they complete their training.
   * Our residents operate, not just watch.
   * Our residents are chiefs for 2 of the 4 year training period.
   * As of July 1, our U4 residents will rotate for 4 months each as Acing fellows at MSKCC.
   * We have a collegial department and the interaction between residents and faculty is friendly.
   * We have a superb record of obtaining the most prestigious fellowships in the world for our residents. We have former residents on the faculties of many medical schools across the country.
   * Those who do not go into academics are highly sought after for employment.
   * We have a great track record for our residents passing the Board examinations.
   * Pending full approval we will be changing the structure of our program to one pre urology general surgery year rather than the current 2 required years.
   * I take a personal interest in the welfare of my residents.
2. What is your program looking for in a graduating medical student?
   
   Each faculty member on the selection committee has his own criteria.. This maximizes the possibility that an applicant which be especially attractive to at least one. I think this is a superior system to one where the criteria are standardized. I personally look for a student who will contribute to the program, leave it a better program than when he/she arrived and will contribute to the reputation after graduation. I place great value on demonstrated mental and physical energy and enthusiasm. One also needs to be a team player and not be disruptive to the other residents.
3. What part of an application do you consider most important in ranking applicants?
   
   Again, each selection team member has his own priorities. I look at the whole package. A weakness in one area can be compensated for in another.
4. What advice do you have for medical students hoping to match in Urology?
   
   Take as many electives as you can. Select places where you might wish to do your residency and where you have a realistic chance of matching. Learn as much about each program as possible to assist in selecting electives.. Don't just say what you're going to do it. Work hard; study, don't just read; show up early, leave late; volunteer for every job; go to the literature, not just textbooks. Don't be obnoxious or arrogant no matter how good you are on paper.

Program Links:

AUA
Department Site
FREIDA

Tags:

5-years
3-residents per year
GS - 1 year
VA
No Research Time