Tulane University-Ochsner Clinic Program

Program Identity & Fit

This is a three-year, ACGME-accredited independent-model plastic surgery residency (six residents total) combining Tulane University academic infrastructure with Ochsner Clinic and community hospital sites, giving trainees a blend of university-based and private-practice exposure across a broad case mix including microsurgery, craniofacial, burn, gender-affirmation, breast reconstruction, and pediatric plastic surgery. Its "make a plan" teaching philosophy emphasizes graduated resident autonomy in clinical decision-making, with attendings deliberately withholding directive answers to force independent reasoning. Research is structurally required (annual scholarly output, a mandatory peer-reviewed publication by graduation, funded conference attendance) and supported by active translational labs in adipose stem cell biology, wound healing, and flap innovation, though the program frames its ultimate output as broadly competent surgeons prepared for either fellowship or private practice rather than academic-only careers. Distinctive features include shared journal clubs with LSU trainees and community faculty, cadaver dissection and microsurgical animal lab training, and an artistic drawing/sculpture component for aesthetic judgment.