Grand Rapids is recognized as one of the early major centers of plastic surgery in the United States, with a legacy extending back over 80 years. Physicians were first trained here under preceptor, Ferris Smith, M.D., beginning in 1920. In 1963, the Blodgett Memorial Hospital Plastic Surgery Residency was one of 53 approved residency programs and 12 approved preceptorships listed and approved by the Residency Review Committee for Plastic Surgery. In 1970, Dr. Ralph Blocksma assumed the leadership role in the residency program and led the program until Dr. John Beernink succeeded him in 1978. Dr. Steven L. Ringler was appointed Program Director in 1997, and continues to serve in this role. In 2000, with the creation of the Grand Rapids Medical Education & Research Center, our program became known as the Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program.
It is here, through our ACGME accredited, two-year independent plastic and reconstructive surgery residency, that you will learn the art of plastic surgery by developing self-discipline and patience, and acquiring the necessary knowledge and aesthetic/surgical skills. Successful completion of our program qualifies the resident for examination by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc.
You will learn from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine academic program while experiencing a hands-on clinical environment. All faculty are board certified plastic surgeons, serving as clinical coordinators and mentors for residents in their offices and in surgery. The atmosphere fosters a personal, yet team-oriented learning experience where residents are respected and appreciated. For motivated residents, the possibilities are endless.
Three acute care teaching hospitals participate in this residency: Saint Mary's Health Care and Spectrum Health Blodgett and Butterworth campuses. All call is home-call and is fed through the Emergency Department, so you will be exposed to a wide variety of cases including trauma, burn, lower & upper extremity, and craniomaxillofacial injuries. Residents also rotate at two accredited, office-based surgery centers that provide ambulatory and cosmetic plastic surgery training. Early in the PGY-4 year, residents participate in a week-long microsurgery course. In addition, a residency clinical practice experience is provided in the PGY-5 year.
Our residents are actively involved in scholarly activities including clinical research and attending and presenting at regional, national, and international meetings. Funding is available to ensure participation in these activities. Our program also possesses an outstanding board pass rate, and our residents routinely secure exceptional fellowships such as the Cleveland Clinic, Buncke Clinic in San Francisco, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. We believe this demonstrates the effectiveness of our residency program.a program where alumni enthusiastically refer applicants.
We are committed to providing you with the variety, experience, academics, and support systems to help you take the next step in your education and career with confidence. For application information, please contact the Program Coordinator at 616.391.1909 or e-mail: Sue.Hartert@spectrum-health.org.