Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

The Department of Surgery at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport offers a comprehensive General Surgery Residency Program that is both rigorous and supportive. As a five-year ACGME-accredited residency, the program focuses on training residents to become competent surgeons while fostering their growth into leaders in the surgical field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum comprises a structured mix of didactic education and surgical training. The program ensures that all six ACGME competencies—Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, and Systems-Based Practice—are thoroughly covered. The residency is designed with a high level of autonomy for residents, allowing them to manage complex surgical cases under supervision, enabling them to build confidence in their skills.

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Training Sites

Residents train across multiple facilities including the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center, which is a Level 1 Trauma Center and houses a 14-bed Trauma ICU alongside other ICUs for specialized care. The program also allows residents to gain extensive exposure to surgical cases, including those that are complex and diverse. With a commitment to clinical excellence, residents collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals throughout the treatment process.

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Rotations

Throughout the five years of residency, participants will engage in rotations across various surgical specialties including trauma, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical oncology, and general surgery. Notably, the program allows additional rotations at the Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Medical Center and other facilities to broaden residents' surgical exposure and training spectrum.

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Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research and scholarly activities. Each resident is expected to participate in a research project, and they are paired with faculty mentors experienced in various surgical subspecialties. This commitment to research is designed to develop critical thinking and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for advanced fellowship training or independent practice. The Department of Surgery also provides resources and support for residents to present their research at local, regional, and national conferences.

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Resident Wellness

Recognizing that the demands of surgical training can lead to burnout, the LSU Health Shreveport program is dedicated to the wellness of its residents. Various wellness initiatives and resources are available, such as discounted meal plans, healthy snacks, and mental health support. Residents are encouraged to prioritize their well-being through participation in wellness seminars and social events outside the clinical environment.

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Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs), and candidates must have U.S. clinical experience within the last two years. The program sponsors J-1 visas for international fellows and is committed to helping residents navigate the visa application process. Applicants to the General Surgery Residency must pass both Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE on their first attempt and graduate from medical school within two years prior to applying.

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Competitiveness of the Program

The LSU Health Shreveport surgery residency program is considered to be highly competitive. It attracts a diverse pool of applicants from various medical schools, with particular interest in candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and a passion for surgery. Preference is given to those who have engaged in research or have participated in ACGME-accredited residency programs.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinguishing feature of the LSU Health Shreveport surgery residency is its close-knit environment. The faculty maintains a strong commitment to mentorship, ensuring that residents receive personalized instruction and guidance throughout their training. The high volume of trauma and complex cases enhances the learning experience, making it an ideal training ground for future surgeons.

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Application Process

The application process is streamlined through the use of the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Interviews are conducted with the program director and faculty members, and they focus on evaluating each candidate's qualifications and fit for the program. The selection process is thorough, aiming to identify individuals who will thrive in the rigorous, supportive culture of the residency.

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Clinical Experience and Operative Exposure

Residents can expect to perform a diverse range of surgical procedures with more than the required number of operative cases in key categories by the end of their training. This exposure ensures that graduates emerge fully prepared to practice as independent surgeons.

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Conclusion

LSU Health Shreveport’s General Surgery Residency program is a premier training environment where residents gain invaluable surgical skills, engage in meaningful research, and are supported holistically throughout their training journey in surgery.