University of Tennessee Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is designed to provide structured educational experiences while facilitating both personal and professional growth for residents. The mission of the program is to prepare residents to become highly qualified practitioners of surgery, with expectations of certification by the American Board of Surgery. With a legacy of training more than 1,100 graduates since its inception, the program aims to positively impact health on both local and global scales through comprehensive education, research, and public service in diverse hospital environments within Memphis.

The program accepts eight categorical residents annually, ensuring extensive training across various surgical domains including oncology, minimally invasive procedures, trauma, and transplantation, alongside general surgery. Residents gain clinical experience through graded responsibility in an environment rich with diverse patient populations and complex cases.

Training Sites

Residents primarily train at the UTHSC campus and at several affiliations, including Regional One Health, Memphis VA Medical Center, Methodist University Hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital, and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. This multifaceted experience allows residents to work within large multidisciplinary teams and engage directly with specialized surgical attendings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum incorporates a variety of clinical and basic science research opportunities. The program provides detailed education across various specialties, including a Master of Science in Epidemiology offered by the Department of Preventative Medicine at UTHSC. The Surgical Education Curriculum includes comprehensive training sessions such as the Morbidity and Mortality Conference and Grand Rounds, designed to instill critical surgical skills and knowledge at all resident levels.

Research Opportunities

Residents have numerous opportunities for research engagement, either through dedicated research years or collaborative projects while maintaining clinical responsibilities. Programs within the residency encompass clinical research opportunities across all surgical specialties and basic science investigations at renowned facilities including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, focusing on pediatric surgical oncology and trauma-related inquiries.

Resident Life and Support

Supportive networks among residents are encouraged, maintaining a collegial atmosphere designed to foster mentoring and collaboration. Resources such as the UT Health Science Center Library provide 24/7 electronic access to medical literature and essential databases. Access to recreational facilities fosters a balanced lifestyle.

Application and Competitiveness

The program follows a highly competitive application process aimed at medical school graduates from LCME-approved US and Canadian medical schools, as well as international medical graduates with valid ECFMG certification. Candidates must pass USMLE Steps 1 and 2 to be considered for interviews. The program exclusively sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants, while not sponsoring H-type visas. Although there are no absolute minimum score requirements for USMLE or COMLEX exams, successful applicants typically possess strong scores.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program supports J-1 visas. Applicants must be eligible to seek this visa status, while the program does not sponsor other types of visas such as H-1B.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries alongside comprehensive benefits, including healthcare insurance options and paid leaves for annual, sick, and educational purposes. Support for research-related activities, such as presenting at national conferences, is also provided.

Concluding Remarks

The General Surgery Residency Program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center reflects excellence in surgical training with a commitment to developing well-rounded surgeons capable of addressing complex health challenges within Memphis and beyond.