University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences UAMS College of Medicine Program

Program Identity & Fit

UAMS is the state's only tertiary/quaternary referral center and Level 1 trauma site, giving this 0+5 integrated vascular surgery program an unusually complex case mix spanning traumatic aortic injury, fenestrated endografts, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, and redo lower extremity reconstruction across three distinct sites (UAMS, VA, Baptist). The 18 months of general surgery are deliberately structured around transplant, cardiothoracic, and critical care exposure to build vascular-relevant skills rather than elective general surgery breadth. Training emphasizes graduated autonomy, with only one senior trainee per rotating service enabling one-on-one operative responsibility, alongside structured board preparation (VESAP, mock orals) and expected annual resident presentation/publication tied to active clinical trial enrollment (e.g., CREST II). As one of the earliest integrated 0+5 programs nationally, it appears to value trainees comfortable with early specialization, high case complexity, and steady research productivity rather than research as a standalone career track.