Urology during General Surgery: Varies, at least 2-3mo. Community Rotations: Various Hospitals. Other Unique Program Aspects: Diverse Faculty. Wynclette Knight Phone: 718.270.1732 Fax: 718.270.3848 E-mail: wynclette.knight@downstate.edu
State Code:
New York
Faculty Survey Results:
State University of New York Downstate (Brooklyn) Program - Richard J. Macchia, MD, Department Chair
Attach to Residency Program:
State University of New York - SUNY Downstate Medical Center
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.
* 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.
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.
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.
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.
