2020 - 202101
Initial Accreditation
Apr 15, 2021
Creighton University School of Medicine Program
Specialty:Surgery
ACGME Code:4400300431
NRMP Code:2154440C2, 2154440P2
Status:Continued Accreditation
Overview
Program Overview
The Creighton University School of Medicine's Phoenix General Surgery Residency is a comprehensive, five-year program focusing on the training of competent and compassionate surgeons. Based at two main hospitals—Valleywise Health Medical Center and Dignity Health Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center—the program recruits annually for eight categorical and ten preliminary positions. The Valleywise Health Medical Center is notable for being a 220-bed county-owned acute care facility, while Dignity Health Saint Joseph’s is a nearly 600-bed hospital. Both institutions are dedicated to providing care for underserved populations, ensuring a diverse range of clinical experiences that include routine, tertiary, and specialized care.
1Curriculum
The residency program is designed to develop independent and proficient surgeons. In total, there are 52 residents in the program, comprising eight categorical positions at each postgraduate year (PGY) from 1 to 5, along with twelve PGY-1 preliminary residents. The curriculum includes extensive rotations across various surgical specialties such as acute care, trauma, breast, colorectal, endocrine, and more. Additional elective rotations can be pursued at prestigious institutions like Mayo Clinic and other local centers like HonorHealth and Phoenix Children's Hospital, allowing for a well-rounded surgical education.
1Mission and Values
The program embodies Creighton’s Jesuit Catholic tradition, emphasizing the importance of serving others with competence, conscience, and compassion. The residency aims to produce surgeons who are adept in managing healthcare disparities and prepared to practice independently post-residency or choose to pursue fellowships in competitive areas. The core values of the program include integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to service—all fundamental in shaping the surgeons of tomorrow.
1Training Sites
The residency program utilizes two main hospitals for its training—Valleywise Health Medical Center and Dignity Health Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Valleywise serves as a tertiary referral center and caters to a diverse patient population, hosting Arizona's only verified adult and pediatric burn center. It also functions as an ACS verified Level 1 Trauma Center. On the other hand, St. Joseph’s, associated with several renowned institutes, offers specialized training experiences in various surgical fields, greatly enhancing the overall training landscape in Phoenix.
1Research Opportunities
Research is a crucial component of the surgical education offered. The program encourages residents to engage in scholarly activity through various avenues, including clinical trials and research fellowships, focusing particularly on health service research and addressing healthcare disparities. The curriculum fosters a culture of inquiry and self-reflection, aiming at continuous improvement and effective patient care.
1Application Requirements
The program accepts applications from MD, DO, IMG, and FMG candidates. Individuals must submit their applications via ERAS, along with supporting documents such as a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores. It is important to note that the program is not in a position to sponsor visas (e.g., J1, H1, etc.). The program values diverse applicants, including those in preliminary positions seeking categorical placements, and assesses candidates based on academic achievements and alignment with the program’s mission.
1Competitiveness and Selection Process
The Creighton Phoenix General Surgery Residency is competitive, with a focus on selecting residents who align with the program’s values and learning environment. The selection process entails multiple opportunities for candidates to engage with current residents and faculty through in-person interviews, enhancing the overall recruitment experience. The residency features a significant commitment to inclusivity and diversity, creating a supportive atmosphere for all applicants.
1Unique Aspects
The program is notable for its focus on community service and educating surgeons who are particularly attuned to the needs of underserved populations. Another remarkable feature is the program’s integration with the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance, enhancing educational and operational resources.
1Faculty and Mentorship
The program boasts a dedicated faculty with a commitment to resident education and mentorship. Faculty members are readily available to provide guidance, fostering an environment of collaboration and professional development. Residents participate actively in shaping the program through councils and feedback mechanisms, which aids in the continuous evolution of the curriculum and training experiences.
1Resident Life
Residents' educational experiences extend beyond clinical training into initiatives such as leadership development through a dedicated coaching program. This emphasis on personal development supports residents in becoming future leaders in their field. Additionally, the friendly and collegial atmosphere among residents contributes to a supportive learning community.
1Web sources
1. Surgery2. Contributed Services & Emeritus Faculty3. Message from the Surgery Chair4. Surgery Research Opportunities5. Surgery Divisions6. Cardiac Surgery7. General Surgery8. Ophthalmology9. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery10. Plastic Surgery11. Surgical Oncology12. Trauma Surgery13. Surgical Clerkships14. Surgery Education Leadership15. Surgery Curriculum and Affiliations16. Surgery Faculty17. Surgery Graduates and Fellowships18. How to Apply Surgery19. Message from the Surgery Program Director20. Department of Surgery21. Surgery Residents
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation3
Full accreditation0
Continued4
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0
Program
Program Size
20, 8, 8, 8, 8 (5 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 15, 2026)
Composition [2]
MD · 54%
DO · 37%
Non-U.S. IMG · 10%
Training
Fellowship Rate:86% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.2X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Full-time Practice · 14%
Fellowship · 86%
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 10 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days [1]
First Year Salary: $66,869 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 67 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 238–268 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:3 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
17%
Creighton University School of Medicine
15%
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
10%
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
4%
University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed
Hometown State
Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed
Medical School State
Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed
Step 1 Fail
Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed
Step 2 Fail
Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed
Applicant Type
Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
Match History [4]
Track ID: 2154440C2
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
Track ID: 2154440P2
2 of 12
2 of 12
1 of 12
3 of 12
6 of 12
5 of 12
Filled Position
Unfilled Position
Roster
Publications
50 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
50 Publications (5 yr)
The American Journal of dermatopathology2026
Herpetic Whitlow in Association With a Cutaneous Infiltrate of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Hailey Fike,1Shuai Li,2Tessa Farnham,3Andrew Siref,2
PMID: 42379636doi.org/10.1097/DAD.0000000000003357
PMID: 42379636doi.org/10.1097/DAD.0000000000003357
The Journal of arthroplasty2026
Risk and Benefit Profile with Concurrent Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Direct Oral Anticoagulants Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.
Benjamin R Paul,1Jens T Verhey,2Grace M Haak,3Collin L Braithwaite,2
PMID: 42285321doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.06.016
PMID: 42285321doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.06.016
Location
Phoenix, AZ [5]
Population
1,608,139
Median income
$79,664On par
Education
33.5%Above
Employment
65.8%Below
Health
13.5%Above
Age
35On par
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ is the capital and largest city in Arizona. Here is an overview of what living in Phoenix is like:
FAQ
Ready to Find Your Ideal Residency Program?
Get a personalized, data-driven program list built around your scores, experiences, and visa needs.
Nearby programs
Surgery Programs Near Phoenix, AZ
Desert Regional Medical Center ProgramPalm Springs, CASurgeryUniversity of California (San Diego) Medical Center ProgramLa Jolla, CASurgeryUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson ProgramTucson, AZSurgeryKirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV ProgramLas Vegas, NVSurgeryCreighton University East Valley Arizona ProgramChandler, AZSurgeryMayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) ProgramPhoenix, AZSurgeryUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZSurgeryRiverside University Health System/University of California Riverside ProgramMoreno Valley, CASurgeryNaval Medical Center (San Diego) ProgramSan Diego, CASurgeryHonorHealth ProgramPhoenix, AZSurgeryHCA Healthcare Sunrise Health GME/MountainView ProgramLas Vegas, NVSurgerySouthwest Healthcare Medical Education Consortium ProgramWildomar, CASurgeryMidwestern University GME Consortium / Mountain Vista ProgramMesa, AZSurgeryLoma Linda University Health Education Consortium ProgramLoma Linda, CASurgeryValley Health System ProgramLas Vegas, NVSurgeryAbrazo Health Network ProgramGlendale, AZSurgery
Other specialties near Phoenix, AZ
Creighton University School of Medicine ProgramPhoenix, AZObstetrics and gynecologyPhoenix Children's Hospital ProgramPhoenix, AZChild neurologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZInternal medicineUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZFamily medicineUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZObstetrics and gynecologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZNeurological surgeryUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZInterventional radiology - integratedUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZInternal medicine/PediatricsUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZOrthopaedic surgeryPhoenix Children's Hospital ProgramPhoenix, AZPediatricsPhoenix Children's Hospital ProgramPhoenix, AZMedical genetics and genomics/PediatricsUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZNeurologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix ProgramPhoenix, AZPsychiatryCreighton University School of Medicine ProgramPhoenix, AZRadiology-diagnosticCreighton University School of Medicine ProgramPhoenix, AZEmergency medicinePhoenix Children's Hospital ProgramPhoenix, AZMedical genetics and genomics
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4400300431
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/ce9aba77-a395-7868-4fba-4a6109e595b7
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US0455000
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr
