University of Minnesota Program

The University of Minnesota General Surgery Residency Program, located in Minneapolis, MN, offers a comprehensive and world-renowned training regimen for aspiring surgeons. This program is emphasized by a strong commitment to education, a legacy of surgical leadership, and a focus on preparing residents for intellectually satisfying practices, especially in academic surgery. The dedication to cutting-edge research and innovative patient care is a significant component of their mission.

The program takes eight categorical residents per year, including seven traditional residents and one designated for rural surgery, indicating a modestly sized, highly competitive environment. This program promotes early operative experiences, supplemented by a dedicated curriculum aimed at helping residents excel. The University of Minnesota boasts a proud tradition of producing highly sought after graduates who proceed to prestigious fellowships.

The rural surgical training opportunity based at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN, further distinguishes this program. After spending the first three years in the Twin Cities, residents on the rural track spend their fourth and fifth years in an environment focused on developing a broad range of surgical skills, necessary for practice in rural settings.

Application Requirements and Details: - Participation in the ERAS with a need for submission of common application form, CV, a personal statement with specific interest in the University of Minnesota's program, medical school transcript, dean's letter, three letters of recommendation, and photo (optional). - For foreign graduates, ECFMG status report is needed. - ACLS/BLS certification is required before the start of the training program. - The program accepts J-1 clinical visas but does not sponsor H-1B or F1 OPT visas.

Interviews: The interview process for the 2023-2024 cycle will be conducted entirely virtually, with specific dates listed, including additional days for those applying to the rural track.

Education and Rotation Details: The curriculum offers weekly core lectures, a rotation-based curriculum, on-call schedules adhering to ACGME duty hour rules, and extensive simulation training that covers a range of topics from critical response to advanced surgical skills.

Research Opportunities: Residents are encouraged to engage in research, underlining the program's long history of fostering innovation in surgery. Most residents spend one to two years in a research lab, contributing to the academic literature and presenting at national meetings.

Support and Benefits: Residents receive a competitive annual stipend, a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, and additional perks such as lab coats, pagers, on-site parking at all hospitals, meal stipends, SCORE subscription, loupes before PGY-3 year, and ACS resident membership.

This program's blend of clinical training, research, and specialty opportunities in both urban and rural settings makes it a unique place for surgical residency training, especially suitable for those aiming for an academic career.