Department of Surgery - Division of General Surgery
Adrian E. Park, MD, FRCS(C), FACS
Campbell and Jeanette Plugge Professor of Surgery
Chief, Division of General Surgery
Undergraduate Medical Program
First Year
Faculty members of the Department of Surgery participate in the Structure and Development, Neurosciences, and Functional Systems blocks of the first year of the undergraduate curriculum.
Third Year
Students are divided into groups for continuous assignment to individual patient services. Selected patients are assigned to individual students who are expected to record a complete history, the results of a physical examination and required laboratory studies. The differential diagnosis, final diagnosis and recommendations for therapy must be developed. Operating room participation, supervised direct patient care and attendance at outpatient clinics are required as part of the emphasis on continuity of patient responsibility. The program is designed to provide the student with a broad overview of the fundamentals of the discipline in the clinical environment by emphasizing contact with a wide variety of adult and pediatric patients. Clinical problems encountered usually include surgical infections, neoplasms, trauma, endocrine disorders, vascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, metabolic disorders and congenital defects.
The student is responsible for a core curriculum of surgical knowledge. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on problem solving through correlation of basic science information with clinical diagnosis and management. Didactic instruction is provided through lectures, small discussion groups, clinical conferences and grand rounds. Final evaluation is based upon clinical performance and a comprehensive examination.
Fourth Year
The Department of Surgery offers four-week subinternships in general surgery at University of Maryland Medical Center and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs and Mercy Medical Centers for those students interested in a career in surgery or seeking to expand their knowledge of surgical science. Various clinical electives in general surgery are offered at the University of Maryland Medical System, Mercy Medical Center and York Hospital. Electives include general surgery, trauma surgery, vascular surgery, transplantation surgery and surgical intensive care.
Senior students are expected to be an integral part of the surgical team. Under supervision, they assume responsibility for initial patient evaluation in the clinics and emergency room, participate in pre- and post-operative care, attend the operating room, participate in clinical conferences and take night call.
Graduate Programs
A fully accredited residency in general surgery is based at the University of Maryland Medical System, incorporating important clinical experience at Mercy Medical Center and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The program offers five years of clinical experience with graded responsibility and one year of basic investigation. Additionally, a fellowship in surgical endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery is available.