Frequently Asked Questions
Does your program require time-off for research?
No, residents are not required to take time-off residency. Those who do wish to pursue research time typically take 1-2 years after completion of their PGY3 year. On average, ~3 residents / class choose to take research time.
Do you offer second look?
After interviewing, applicants interested in our residency program are encouraged to come back for a Second Look Visit. Applicants spend a day with a house officer, starting with the Department's weekly M&M conference and Grand Rounds, and continuing on to the Operating Room or surgical patient wards.
Do you follow work-hours?
Our program takes pride in adhering to the ACGME resident work hour guidelines. This includes the following guidelines:
No more than 80 hours of clinical and educational work in hospital per week, averaged over 4 weeks
All residents receive one day off per week
Call periods will not exceed 24 hours
At least 8 hours off between shifts
In-house call no more frequent than every third night
This is accomplished by a number of initiatives: surgical services are staffed such that interns take day-call 2-3 times / week; coverage by PAs and NPs overnight ensures interns do not take overnight call; at Mount Sinai, general surgery consults are fielded by a dedicated consult resident - not the call intern; and an established culture that values resident education without sacrificing well-being.
What if I can’t make it to the pre-interview social?
It’s not the end of the world, and doesn’t mean you’ll fall to the bottom of the rank list. It’s genuinely the best opportunity for you to get to know the residents and vice versa in a non-interview setting - and it’s one of our favorite ways to meet applicants. We encourage everyone who comes to the interview to attend the social but we understand if scheduling is prohibitive.
Where are the pre-interview socials held?
Typically Earl’s Beer and Cheese, The Rochard, or The Weir.
Where do most residents live?
Most residents live in Mount Sinai-subsidized housing with many options located in the Upper East Side. Housing options are also located in the Upper West Side and near Columbus Circle. Some also choose to live in Brooklyn or Queens and commute to the hospital. Details can be found at the Housing Website.
What is the typical interview day like?
Interviewees arrive in the morning for coffee and light breakfast followed by a short orientation from both our chairman and program director. Three faculty interviews are held throughout the morning, including one with either the program director or associate program director. Residents are also present at this time to meet interviewees and answer questions. After the completion of interviews, a tour and lunch are provided. The interview day ends after lunch.
Are there elective rotations?
Yes, residents can do elective rotations as PGY4s. The nature of the elective rotation depends on each resident’s interest, allowing them to explore surgical subspecialties, either within Mount Sinai or outside institutions. Examples of elective rotations have included throacic, trauma, endocrine, transplant, and colorectal.