In 2004, the Department of Surgery at the University of South Florida recruited Dr. David J. Smith, Jr. to head the Division of Plastic Surgery as the Juan Bolivar Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology. Among his many roles of national distinction, Dr. Smith has served as Chairman of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, President of the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery, Chairman of the Oral Examination Committee, and Chairman of the Residency Review Committee for Plastic Surgery. Additionally, he held academic appointments at Indiana University and Wayne State prior to serving as the Section Head of Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan for sixteen years.

The Plastic Surgery Residency Program at USF received provisional accreditation to start July 1, 2005 as an Integrated Program. This program builds a strong general surgical framework while maximizing Plastic Surgery engagement throughout the six years of training. USF also received approval in 2005 for a three year Independent program to accept residents at the PGY 4 level. The first of the chief residents of the Independent program will graduate at the end of the 2007-2008 academic year.

The Division of Plastic Surgery Academic and Clinical Faculty have established diverse practices in Plastic Surgery, including Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction, Cutaneous Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction, Burns, Hand Surgery, Adult and Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery, Microsurgery, Wound Care, Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, Facial Trauma, and Plastic Surgery Research. There are seven academic faculty members and ten clinical faculty members on staff within the Division. The Division of Plastic Surgery accepts three medical school graduates into the USF Integrated Plastic Surgery residency program each year. Those interested can submit an application for the PGY-1 positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) using ERAS. For more information about the NRMP or ERAS please visit the following websites:

NRMP - http://www.nrmp.org

ERAS - http://www.aamc.org/audienceeras.htm The Division of Plastic Surgery welcomes fourth year medical students of LCME accredited medical schools for four week, elective rotations at the University of South Florida. Externs are accepted through the Registrar's Office of the USF-College of Medicine. More information can be found at the following website:



Visiting fourth year students will complete two week rotations at both Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center. Exposure to two of USF's major hospitals will provide a diverse experience in craniofacial trauma, burn care and reconstruction, cutaneous oncology, aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and microsurgery. Externs are valuable members of the team and are expected to contribute on an appropriate level of surgical and clinical patient care. Additionally, students also attend weekly Plastic Surgery, Tumor Board, and Hand surgery conferences. The curriculum of the Integrated Plastic Surgery Program is designed to fulfill all Resident Review Committee (RRC) requirements for residency training. The rotations provide diverse, early, and thorough exposure to all aspects of Plastic Surgery and sharpen the operative and clinical decision-making skills of USF residents.

Our residents receive exposure to multiple specialized hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers. This exposure provides a well-balanced view of the practice of both academic and clinical Plastic Surgery, as each facility offers a unique variety of cases and patient care opportunities. Tampa General Hospital is a Level 1 trauma center and provides education in facial trauma, burn and hand injuries, as well as massive weight loss surgery and microsurgery. The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center is a nationally recognized cancer center with Plastic Surgery specialization in oncologic procedures and reconstructions associated with many types of cancers. A specialized spinal cord unit and extensive rehabilitation program provides a unique experience at the James Haley Veteran's Hospital, while the Bay Pines Veteran's Hospital focuses on cutaneous oncology and wound care, with a productive wound healing lab. Residents also have exposure to community practice through All Children's Hospital, multiple surgery centers and private practice offices.

One of the goals of the USF Plastic Surgery Residency is to encourage and foster academic pursuits. There are numerous opportunities for mentored clinical and basic science projects. Residents are supported in endeavors to submit and present abstracts and research at both regional and national meetings.

Throughout the six year program, residents receive level specific benefits and educational opportunities. First year residents receive a Plastic Surgery Textbook, PGY 2 residents attend the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) Basic Maxillofacial Course, while the PGY 3 residents attend a Microsurgery Training Certification Course. Residents at the PGY 4 level attend an Oral and Written Board Preparation Course. PGY 5 residents attend a regional Plastic Surgery conference and PGY 6 residents attend the American Society of Plastic Surgery Conference and Senior Resident Conference.