How to Apply

The training program in Plastic Surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is a three-year Independent Program that trains individuals that have met the prerequisite training requirements defined by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  The prerequisite training requirements can be met by:

  • Completing five progressive years of training in general surgery sufficient to qualify for certification by the American Board of Surgery. 
  • Completing and reaching Board eligibility in a formal, ACGME–accredited training program in one of the following ABMS specialties: vascular surgery, neurologic surgery, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, thoracic surgery, or urology. 
  • Alternatively, individuals with both a dental and medical degree may meet the perquisite requirements by completing an ADA-approved training program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery that includes 2 years of Surgery training. 

Applications to the program are accepted through the Central Application Service of the San Francisco Match at https://sfmatch.org/. 

Application FAQs

Do you have a USMLE Score Minimum?

We prefer scores >215, but we do not have an absolute cutoff. Applicants who have previous failures on the USMLE are generally less likely to successfully match in our program. Completion of Step 2 is preferred. All applications are thorougly reviewed and one score will not filter an application out. 

Do you require U.S. Clinical Experience?

U.S. clinical experience is not an absolute requirement, however it is highly encouraged.

What visas do you sponsor?

Please click the following link for more information reguarding our ECFMG requirements: https://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/marcom/gme/policies/Visa-Policy-for-GME-Trainees.pdf?_ga=2.118526345.1259194260.1711372495-683187889.1710952213&_gl=1*11958lg*_ga*NjgzMTg3ODg5LjE3MTA5NTIyMTM.*_ga_L7BTY7JCG8*MTcxMTQ3MDY2MS42LjEuMTcxMTQ3MjI1Ny42MC4wLjA.

Do you offer observerships or externships to medical school graduates?

No, we do not offer observerships or externships if you have already graduated medical school.