In recent years the PCOM General Surgery Residency Program has become increasingly competitive. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the PCOM rotation coordinator as early as possible as there are a limited number of elective rotation slots available to visiting students. The most popular time to schedule an elective rotation is between the months of July and October. Rotation slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with preference given to 4th year medical students. Some of the rotation sites offer housing to visiting students while others do not. Be sure to inquire about housing arrangements prior to scheduling your rotation.
PCOM GME Rotation Coordinator: Marilyn Heywood
Due to the volume of applications received each year not every applicant with be invited for an interview. Candidates who have their application in early and who have rotated with the PCOM General Surgery Residents are given priority for interview invitations.
There are currently 2 scheduled interview days in the Fall/Winter of 2011 for the incoming PGY-1 class. The interview is an all-day process starting at 7:00am at the PCOM campus and concluding at approximately 5:00pm. Interviewees should make travel arrangements so that they can be present for the entire day.
The interview day will consist of a series of group and individual sessions with the program director and attendings as well as time to meet with many of the residents in the program. There will be a tour of the PCOM campus including a meeting with members of the Department of Graduate Medical Education. Time will be set aside to show interviewees the Robotic Simulation Suite and provide a chance for some candidates to demonstrate their technical proficiency on the Laparascopic Simulator, Endoscopic Simulator or Angio Mentor.
Following the on campus events the interviewees will be divided up and given tours of one of the primary clinical rotation sites for the PCOM General Surgery Program.
The purpose of the all-day interview is to allow ample time for the interviewee to learn and experience as much about the PCOM General Surgery Residency program as possible. It also offers an opportunity for the program to thoroughly assess an applicant and learn about qualities beyond what is presented in the formal ERAS application.
More information on travel to Philadelphia can be found at the links below. Travel from Philadelphia International Airport via Taxi costs approximately $45.00. Travel from 30th Street Station/Amtrak via Taxi costs approximately $25.00. Significant travels delays can be expected during rush hour both to and from the airport and train station. Regional rail, bus and trolley schedules are available on the SEPTA website.
Philadelphia International Airport
Amtrak Station
SEPTA
There are several hotels in close proximity to PCOM, the closest being the Hilton Philadelphia City Ave which is across the street from the PCOM campus.
Parking is available at the PCOM campus in the parking garage. Parking vouchers will be provided.
From New York, New Jersey or New England
- Take the New Jersey Turnpike South to the PA Turnpike Exit 6
- Continue into Pennsylvania onto RT 276 W. Exit onto RT 476 S
- Continue on 476 S to 76 E at Conshohocken
- Take I-76 East to the City Avenue Exit (aka City Line Avenue or U.S. Route 1 South)
- Take City Avenue South two blocks to Monument Road
- Make a left onto Monument Road, PCOM's entrance is on right. Follow signs to parking garage.
From Washington, D.C., Baltimore or Maryland
- Take Interstate 95 North to Philadelphia. In Delaware, take 495-Philadelphia/Port of Wilmington (this by-pass will turn back into I-95)
- Look for signs to Interstate 76 West to Philadelphia - Valley Forge
- I-76 (follow signs to Valley Forge) at St. Joseph's University sign - stay in left lane and look for Exit City Avenue, Route 1 South
- Take City Avenue South two blocks to Monument Road
- Make a left onto Monument Road, PCOM's entrance is on right. Follow signs to parking garage.
From Philadelphia International Airport
- Take Interstate 95 North
- Look for signs to Interstate 76 West to Philadelphia - Valley Forge
- I-76 (follow signs to Valley Forge) at St. Joseph's University sign - stay in left lane and look for Exit City Avenue, Route 1 South
- Take City Avenue South two blocks to Monument Road
- Make a left onto Monument Road, PCOM's entrance is on right. Follow signs to parking garage
From the West
- Drive east on the PA Turnpike to Exit #326 (old exit #24) (King of Prussia/Valley Forge)
- After the toll booth, follow signs for Philadelphia, Interstate 76 East
- Take I-76 East to the City Avenue Exit (aka City Line Avenue or U.S. Route 1 South)
- Take City Avenue South two blocks to Monument Road
- Make a left onto Monument Road, PCOM's entrance is on right. Follow signs to parking garage.
From Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
- Take the Northeast Extension RT 476 S
- Continue on 476 S through the tolls. Take 76 E at Conshohocken
- Take I-76 East to the City Avenue Exit (aka City Line Avenue or U.S. Route 1 South)
- Take City Avenue South two blocks to Monument Road
- Make a left onto Monument Road, PCOM's entrance is on right. Follow signs to parking garage.
From Northern Suburbs/Route 1
- Take US-1 S/E Roosevelt Blvd
- Merge onto US-1 S/City Ave E via Exit 339 on the left
- Take City Avenue South two blocks to Monument Road
- Make a left onto Monument Road, PCOM's entrance is on right. Follow signs to parking garage.
