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Find information on the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency program for the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Fall 2023 Plastics Dept group picture with residents, fellows and faculty

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Integrated and Independent Training Programs

Welcome to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training programs at Indiana University School of Medicine. We are proud to be able to offer both an ACGME-accredited three-year independent fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as a six-year integrated residency. We have one of the largest trainee and faculty teams in the country, incorporating eight training locations and three Level-1 trauma centers, both adult and pediatric-certified burn centers, as well as community-based rotations, including cosmetic surgery.

Our faculty have advanced fellowship training and experience across the entire spectrum of plastic surgery, including pediatrics and craniofacial, critical care, burn, microsurgery, hand, breast and oncology. Our trainees meet and/or exceed the ACGME requirements for case log numbers and engage in research opportunities throughout their training. We are also happy to offer a one-month ACGME- and ABPS-approved international elective at Moi University in Kenya. We feel our broad spectrum of clinical cases, as well as the large volume of cases, makes our program highly competitive. 

Located in Indianapolis (population of nearly 1 million people) and home to Indiana University Indianapolis, our campus is a wonderfully young and vibrant environment supporting your growth and learning. Most learning sites are located within walking distance of each other. In addition to four weeks of vacation time, we support and fund academic presentations at national meetings. We feel the GME benefits for our trainees are among the best in the country.

Please feel free to reach out to our trainees to learn more about the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training programs.

Program Director
17560-Wooden, William

William A. Wooden, MD

James E. Bennett Professor of Plastic Surgery

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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency Application

Find out more about the requirements and process to apply to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training programs at IU School of Medicine.
associate program directors

Ivan Hadad, MD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery

Mary E. Lester, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery

CLINICAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
2024 Rhonda Gerding Headshot

Rhonda Gerding

Plastic Surgery, Burn Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery and Hand Surgery

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Two vascular surgery residents practice surgery during a training lab

Application

Find application requirements and answers to frequently asked questions about this program.

Blaire Egan (Hand Fellow) and Jordan Wiebe (PGY5) reconstructing the radial artery in a rare case of Thenar Hammer Syndrome

Rotations

This six-year program offers surgical training in the treatment of reconstructive surgery.

2023 diverse group of plastic surgery residents, fellows, faculty and more at the welcoming event

Current Residents

Meet the current plastic and reconstructive surgery residents.

2023 AMPATH Moi Plastic Surgery Hand Surgery

Global Health and AMPATH

Plastic and reconstructive surgery residents now have the option to participate in an immersive, four-week global plastic and reconstructive surgery residency rotation in Eldoret, Kenya, during their 4th, 5th or 6th year of residency. The residency program is made possible through AMPATH, a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and the AMPATH Consortium of academic health centers worldwide, led by Indiana University. Through an exchange with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, surgical residents from Moi University School of Medicine and IU School of Medicine can experience surgical rotations on both medical campuses.

Pre-departure orientation, in-country education, and debriefing sessions ensure a meaningful experience.

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Diverse group of residents with visiting professor

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Discover a vibrant community at the Indiana University School of Medicine's Department of Surgery, where diversity is our cornerstone. We champion inclusivity across all aspects of human experience, from race and gender to religion and geography. Our commitment unfolds through three pillars: representational diversity, an inclusive environment, and cultural competence.

Indianapolis skyline

Life In Indy

Indianapolis, Indiana, (population of nearly 1 million people) is a vibrant city that beckons with its blend of urban excitement and Midwestern charm. Nestled at the Crossroads of America, it offers a thriving cultural scene, world-class sports, and robust education. As home to the Indiana University School of Medicine, the largest medical and research university, it boasts top-notch healthcare and research opportunities. With a low cost of living and a welcoming community, Indianapolis invites you to experience a fulfilling life in the heart of the Midwest, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Meet Our Faculty

Meet our expert general surgery faculty, dedicated to shaping the future of surgeon-scientists through comprehensive training in clinical practice and cutting-edge research.

IU Health University Hospital Indianapolis

Clinical Facilities

Clinical training for surgery residency is based at the five major teaching hospitals located on the IU School of Medicine’s downtown Indianapolis campus: IU Health University Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Eskenazi Health, and IU Health Methodist Hospital. Most learning sites are located within walking distance of each other. In addition to the traditional surgical services at these sites, the Department of Surgery offers preceptor models of surgical training at two suburban hospitals: IU Health North and IU Health West.

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