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Vascular Surgery Residencies and Fellowships

At UPMC, we offer comprehensive training programs designed to cultivate the next generation of vascular surgeons. Our programs include an accredited five-year residency and an accredited two-year fellowship.

With a focus on cutting-edge technology and research, we provide our residents and fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of vascular surgery. Join us at UPMC to embark on a journey of excellence and innovation in patient care.

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Our Fellowship and Residency Programs

Integrated 0-5 residency program

5-2 Fellowship program

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Residency and Fellowship Program Contact Information

Ulka Sachdev, MD
Residency and Fellowship Program Director
Phone: 412-641-8248
sachdevu2@upmc.edu

GME Administration
Phone: 412-802-3031
GME_Administration@upmc.edu

Medical Student Electives Contact Information

Alisha Strong
Medical Student Coordinator
Phone: 412-647-5314
strongad@upmc.edu

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Applying for a Vascular Surgery Residency or Fellowship

All applications for our 5-2 fellowship program and integrated 0-5 residency program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Applications for two positions in our five-year vascular surgery residency program are accepted until October 31 of each year or until all interview slots are filled.

Applications for a position in our two-year fellowship training program are accepted until December 31 of each year or until all interview slots are filled.

Applications for both programs are accepted only via ERAS. The vascular surgery residency office will not accept any paper applications.

Personal interviews are by invitation only and are required for acceptance to our program. Completed applications should include:

  • ERAS application
  • Personal statement
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Official medical school transcript
  • Dean's letter
  • 3-4 current letters of recommendation
  • USMLE Board scores

If you need additional information, please contact Whitney Silveira at silveiraw@upmc.edu or 412-802-3031.

Our interview process for both programs is a one-day process. We prefer that applicants arrive the night before for a dinner with faculty and trainees.

The five-year residency interviews are held in December and January, scheduled on two Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interviews for the two-year vascular surgery fellowship program are held in February and March, scheduled on two Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

National Resident Matching Program

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Vascular Surgery Educational Opportunities and Benefits

Vascular conferences

An academic conference is held on a weekly basis, which includes topics for educational review, lectures by visiting professors, and case presentations. The conference is approved for one hour of Category I CME credit by UPMC.

In addition, a bi-monthly Basic and Clinical Research Conference, supported by topics related to bench research and clinical trial investigations, is held. Morbidity & Mortality Review and Journal Club are also included in the curricula.

On a business level, coding and reimbursement meetings are held on a regular basis to keep residents abreast of the latest issues.

Vascular surgery research

The scope of research currently available in the division includes clinical trials, clinical reviews, bioengineering, molecular biology, gene therapy, methods of inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia, and other aspects of vascular biology.

Residents entering into the integrated five-year program as interns are expected to do two additional years of research in the Division of Vascular Surgery. This can be in one of the basic science labs devoted to vascular research, in the biomechanical engineering laboratories, or by doing clinical research.

The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as a center for development of translational research and as a location to foster young physicians in clinical research.

Several members of the division currently have NIH grants investigating various aspects of vascular diseases. The division also employs four vascular research coordinators who work on active prospective trials, as well as a full-time biostatistician.

Vascular surgery residents have the opportunity to become familiar with the current ongoing trials, methodology used, and statistical methods of analysis in order to carry out independent investigations in the future.

Vascular surgery residency and fellowship benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and life insurances
  • Three weeks of vacation per academic year
  • Financial support for one scientific meeting
  • Yearly educational fund
  • Holiday time off
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance

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Information for International Medical Graduates

All international medical graduates must hold a current and valid ECFMG certificate in order for their application to be considered complete, including the clinical skills assessment, which must also be current and valid. Each applicant must have taken and passed both Steps I and Steps II of the USMLE, and their English qualifying examination must be current and valid.

We do not have a minimum USMLE score requirement, but all scores must be passing. There is no requirement regarding length of time since medical school graduation, and prior United States clinical experience is not required.

The preferred visa for training in our program is the J-1 visa, sponsored through the ECFMG for residency/fellowship training.

If you have questions regarding visas or obtaining a graduate license for training in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, please contact the Graduate Medical Education Office at 412-647-5815. For information regarding ECFMG certification, visit the ECFMG website.

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Information for Medical Students

Medical student electives

All requests for fourth-year electives for visiting LCME applicants can be processed only through the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine website, which explains the different electives available in the Department of Surgery and how an application can be processed online.

To access the application or for further information, visit the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine or contact Kathy Haupt, Medical Student Coordinator, at hauptkg@upmc.edu, 412-647-5314, or by fax at 412-647-4889.

If you have difficulty with the application, contact Joanne Colligan at joanne@medschool.pitt.edu or 412-648-8935.

Course descriptions and program requirements are subject to change.

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Vascular Surgery Residency and Fellowship Rotations and Hospital Information

Our residents and fellows have the opportunity to rotate at several UPMC hospitals, including:

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Resources and Information for Residency and Fellowship Recruits

See below for some useful information about our programs to help you in considering where you want to continue your training in vascular surgery.

If you have any questions or want some additional information, please contact GME Administration, GME_Administration@upmc.edu.

Additional resources

Learn more about the centers and cores at the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute and how our multidisciplinary team of scientists is advancing research in the heart, lung, and blood systems.

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Vascular Residency and Fellowship Program Alumni

Since graduating from our program, our alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers at UPMC and beyond, advancing the field of vascular surgery through excellence in patient care and research.