University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) Program

Program Overview

The USC Department of Surgery is renowned for its commitment to training exceptional clinical surgeons through a rigorous and diverse residency program. This program is characterized by a comprehensive training experience, combining significant rotations across major training sites to give residents a well-rounded surgical education. The culmination of this training occurs during the chief resident year, which predominantly takes place at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, empowering residents to take the lead in running various surgical services under the supervision of attending physicians. This unique aspect ensures exposure to a wide spectrum of surgical pathology and a high degree of autonomy in clinical decision-making, equipping graduates with the skills needed to excel in any clinical scenario.1

Residents are supported through a robust educational framework spearheaded by dedicated faculty who are committed to fostering a collaborative environment. Dr. Vaughn Starnes, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery, emphasizes the importance of education, with over $1.5 million allocated annually for resident programs. This financial support underscores the program's commitment to integrating clinical experience with state-of-the-art skills labs, simulations, and didactic learning, which are comprehensive and aligned with current healthcare education standards.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum consists of diverse rotations divided into 4 to 6-week blocks, allowing residents to gain hands-on experience in critical areas of surgery, including but not limited to:

• Acute Care Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery
• Cardiac Surgery
• Thoracic & Foregut Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Transplant Surgery
• Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Additionally, residents spend time in a variety of clinical settings, including one of the nation’s largest public hospitals and an NCI-designated cancer center, providing exposure to both routine and complex surgical cases. The program uniquely emphasizes graduated autonomy to develop skilled, confident surgeons capable of tackling diverse challenges.1

Research Opportunities

The program places a high value on research as a critical component of surgical training. Residents are encouraged to pursue research aligned with their career goals, with protected time dedicated to academic pursuits outside of clinical responsibilities. Expectations include the completion and presentation of a high-quality research project at regional or national meetings and submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.1

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

USC's Department of Surgery is firmly dedicated to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles throughout its residency program. This commitment is evident in outreach programs that engage residents with underrepresented communities and facilitate opportunities to make differences in health equity. The program involves initiatives like providing mentorship, community service projects, and special scholarships aimed at attracting diverse resident candidates.2

Application and Requirements

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and must register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Key application components include:

• Common application form
• Personal statement
• Medical school transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (minimum of three)
• USMLE transcripts
• ECFMG status report for foreign graduates

Notably, the program does not take preliminary residents and typically accepts seven categorical residents each year. A year of graduation is preferred to not exceed a specific cutoff, demonstrating a timely transition from medical school to residency.1

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports various visa types for international medical graduates, including J-1 visas. Sponsorship is geared towards individuals who meet the program's competitive requirements, demonstrating not only academic achievements but also adaptability and dedication to the field of surgery.1

Resident Life and Benefits

Residents are afforded a range of benefits including a competitive salary structure that is regularly updated, a guaranteed annual housing stipend of $10,000, educational reimbursement, a meal stipend, and comprehensive health insurance options. Additionally, residents enjoy a flexible vacation allowance of four paid weeks annually, alongside opportunities for wellness days and community engagement activities.1

Competitiveness and Community Engagement

The USC/LA General Surgery Program is highly competitive, welcoming both DO and IMG candidates, with an aim to create a diverse surgical workforce that reflects the community it serves. The program actively participates in community engagement through various healthcare outreach initiatives, enhancing residents' understanding of healthcare disparities while enriching their training experience.2