University of California Davis Health Program

Plastic Surgery Analyst Verified · Apr 20, 2023

University of California Davis Health Program

University of California Davis Health Program is a residency program specializing in Plastic Surgery, located in Sacramento, California, directed by Michelle V. Zaldana-Flynn, MD and coordinated by Delia Luna.. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (916) 734-7289. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

UC Davis Health's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency is a long-standing (since 1978) academic, university-based program embedded in a top-ranked, NCI-comprehensive tertiary/quaternary academic medical center in Sacramento, offering both the six-year Integrated and three-year Independent pathways. The program emphasizes high operative volumes exceeding recommended minimums, graduated autonomy with senior residents mentoring juniors, and structured research time (1-2 dedicated years) supported by a dedicated Surgical Bioengineering Laboratory, Outcomes Research Group, and translational/basic science infrastructure spanning wound healing, stem cell, and craniofacial research. Graduate outcomes show a strong, consistent pipeline into competitive subspecialty fellowships (microsurgery, craniofacial, hand, aesthetic) alongside academic faculty appointments and private practice, indicating the program values both technical breadth and scholarly productivity. Its distinctive strength lies in bridging basic-science/bioengineering collaboration with a broadly trained clinical foundation across reconstructive, craniofacial, and aesthetic domains.

Who it fits

An applicant with demonstrated plastic surgery research productivity (basic science, translational, or bioengineering-adjacent) and clear subspecialty fellowship ambitions (microsurgery, craniofacial, hand, or aesthetic) who also shows evidence of high-volume operative engagement and mentorship-oriented teamwork during training.

Research intensity

Strong - dedicated research years, bioengineering lab infrastructure, and consistent resident participation in translational and clinical research are structurally embedded and encouraged.

Career orientation

Mixed - Fellowship, Academic Medicine, Community Practice

Choose Specialty / Choose Another Program