We have successfully achieved pre-accreditation status under the new Single Accreditation System through the ACGME, AOA, and ACOS as of October 1, 2015.

The AOA General Surgery Residency at Berkshire Medical Center provides an excellent learning environment for those seeking a career in general surgery and those interested in further sub-specialty training.  It was recently approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for 10 Categorical Positions and received a five-year reaccreditation status in April 2015.  Residents complete five clinical years of training including a Chief Resident (OGME/PGY-5) year.

During the five years of training, residents will perform over 1100 cases. OGME/PGY-1 and OGME/PGY-2 residents participate in operative procedures as appropriate to their experience, but also focus on learning the pre- and post-operative care of surgical patients. Surgical residents have ample direct exposure to a wide variety of surgical fields, including urology, neurosurgery, ENT, surgical oncology, and plastic surgery.

Away rotations at Baystate Medical Center, the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, and Roger Williams Medical Center provide specialty experience in pediatric surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, trauma surgery, transplantation surgery, and surgical oncology. An on-site endoscopy simulator, regular training at Baystate Medical Center's state-of-the-art Simulation Center and Goldberg Surgical Skills Laboratory, and robust Information Systems and library services augment clinical training. Although not mandatory in the internship year, clinical research is strongly encouraged, and is required for all senior residents. Many of our residents present at regional or national meetings during their training.

Our Chief Resident year includes participation in over 300 major cases as well as involvement in administrative and teaching responsibilities for the residency and committee work for the hospital. 

The AOA General Surgery Residency at BMC includes experiences in the following specialties:

• General Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Breast Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery [at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA]
• Colorectal Surgery
• Critical Care
• Emergency Surgery
• Endocrine Surgery
• Endoscopy
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery [at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA]
• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology [at Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI]
• Thoracic Surgery
• Transplant Surgery [at University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA]
• Trauma Surgery [at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA]
• Vascular Surgery
• Wound Care

This curriculum for this program follows our current AOA-approved General Surgery curriculum and requirements. The mandatory Osteopathic component is incorporated with all other AOA-approved programs at BMC with dedicated teaching days and conferences and required participation at these sessions. 

Upon satisfactory completion of this five-year program trainees are eligible to sit for the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) Examination.