Dr. Gollin, Dr. Zmaj, Dr. Reeves, Dr. Molkara, Dr. Tabuenca, Dr. Tamez

The General Surgery Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center is determined to be at the cutting edge of surgical education.  We want to train caring academic surgeons with a broad surgical experience and exposure to a variety of patients from University, County, and VA hospitals that will give them the tools to practice in top academic centers or private practice, if the graduating resident chooses to do so.

In February 2008, our program was re-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) with continued full accreditation for 53 residents as a 5-year program.  At that time, there were no citations and the program was given two commendations.

In navigating this site, you can learn of the multiple educational opportunities in which our residents participate.

We finish 6 chief residents each year.  In a usual year, there are 53 residents rotating to 4 hospitals.  About half of the total cases done by residents are done at LLUMC in various rotations.  The hospitals affiliated with our program are all JACHO-approved facilities within 20 miles of LLUMC.  They include:

• Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children's Hospital (LLUMC & LLUCH)
• Loma Linda VA Medical Center (LLVAMC)
• Riverside County Regional Medical Center (RCRMC) - in Moreno Valley
• Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) - in Colton

The diversity of these settings and patient populations gives our residents a well-rounded clinical and technical experience.

• PGY-1 residents spend approximately 6 months in general surgery and 6 months in subspecialty rotations.
• PGY-2 residents spend time on SICU, burn, general surgery, pediatric surgery, transplant, and vascular.
• PGY-3 residents rotate through two of our program's hospitals. The rotations include general surgery, ENT, vascular and pediatric surgery.
• PGY-4 residents have senior level responsibility on pediatrics and general surgery rotations. These rotations are at LLUMC, RCRMC and the VA.
• PGY-5 is divided among all four of the integrated institutions: LLUMC, LLVAMC, ARMC and RCRMC. Each rotation is 2 months long, and each resident spends 2 months as the chief resident at LLUMC.

Our residents have mostly gone to community practice, but many have gone into academic careers.  Over 75% of our graduates go on to fellowship programs.

At LLUMC, there are surgical fellowships including:

Vascular - 2 years

Cardiothoracic - 3 years

These have not detracted from general surgery experience because of the broad clinical experience in the program.  Vascular surgery, for example, guarantees a minimum number of cases of certain types, such as AAA repair.

Research as a dedicated effort is available after the second year.  Several faculty members have ongoing research projects, and we have contacts with labs in many areas in which residents can be placed.  We guarantee return to the program after research for a specific period of time.  We encourage early planning of a project so that funding and time can be planned.

Living in this area is pleasant, with opportunity for recreation of great variety available within a short distance.  Los Angeles, with its varied entertainment and social opportunities, is only a short freeway drive away.  Beaches, skiing and hiking in the local mountains and desert are a short distance.  Housing is less expensive than LA or other major metropolitan areas but higher than in the Midwest or less populated areas.

We have five incredibly gifted Associate Program Directors that are all passionate about resident education: Dr. Gerald Gollin, Dr. Afshin Molkara, Dr. Kristine Zmaj, Dr. Jason Wallen, and Dr. A.J. Tamez.

I hope that you find this information useful.  Do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information.

Mark Reeves, MD, PhD

Program Director

General Surgery Residency

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