Find information on the residency training program for the Department of Surgery at IU School of Medicine, including application information.

2023 group of first year residents in simulation lab

Residency Training

Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Surgery offers premiere residency training in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery and vascular surgery as part of the mission to train the next generation of surgical leaders. All four programs have established skills and simulation curriculum for each year of training, allowing each trainee the opportunity to practice and develop clinical, operative and team-based skills. This department is committed to attracting the best and brightest surgical residency applicants to become a part of the longstanding tradition of training surgeon leaders at IU School of Medicine.

Surgical Residency in Indianapolis

Medical students who are considering a surgery residency in Indianapolis can find out more about IU School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education program, including details on stipends, benefits, policies and more.

Office of GME

Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery offers two different training pathways that lead to the American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification eligibility. Both pathways are structured to provide broad exposure to all aspects and disciplines of cardiothoracic surgery. Graduates are well prepared to enter either independent practice or advanced fellowship training.

General Surgery

The General Surgery Residency program is a competitive five-year program that exposes residents to all facets of surgery, including trauma, vascular, pediatric, transplant and reconstructive surgery. Through this program, residents receive a solid, broad-based clinical education and the opportunity to excel both in the operating room and at the bedside.

Plastic Surgery

The Division of Plastic Surgery offers an accredited three-year independent fellowship and a six-year integrated residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Through these programs, trainees gain the clinical expertise and surgical skill set needed to perform complex procedures while mastering preoperative and postoperative care alongside ancillary health care personnel. Both programs offer an option for a global health plastic surgery rotation in Kenya at our sister site, Moi University, through the AMPATH collaborative.

Vascular Surgery

The Vascular Surgery Residency program provides exceptional surgical training to residents interested in the treatment of thoracic, abdominal and soft-tissue diseases over the span of five clinical years with two additional years of dedicated research time after the PGY 2 year of training. Rotations through this program are structured to allow residents to provide continuity of care and gain in-depth knowledge of all aspects of vascular surgery.

diverse group of 6 medical professionals at MOI Teaching Hospital providing medical care to a patient

Global Health and AMPATH

At IU School of Medicine, resident physicians can immerse themselves in global health through the Global Health Training Pathway and diverse electives, enhancing their skills in international health care. The global health pathway is open to all specialty residents, offering local and overseas electives with dedicated faculty mentors. This interdepartmental program unites residents from various specialties, fostering a shared commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare worldwide. Notably, our AMPATH-Kenya initiative, one of the world's most significant collaborative health care efforts, invites residents from medicine, pediatrics, surgery and obstetrics and gynecology to engage in a life-changing and career-changing one or two-month elective at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Pre-departure orientation, in-country education, and debriefing sessions ensure a meaningful experience. Join us in shaping the future of global health care.

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Monument Circle in downtown Indy at night

Life in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana, is a vibrant city that beckons with its blend of urban excitement and Midwestern charm. Nestled at the Crossroads of America, it offers a thriving cultural scene, world-class sports, and robust education. As home to the Indiana University School of Medicine, the largest medical and research university, it boasts top-notch healthcare and research opportunities. With a low cost of living and a welcoming community, Indianapolis invites you to experience a fulfilling life in the heart of the Midwest, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Life in Indy

Diverse group of surgical resident researchers

Research Years

The Department of Surgery prioritizes professional growth and research in clinical and translational sciences, global health, and surgical education. Through research, we drive evidence-based solutions to clinical challenges. Our surgery residents can opt for a research fellowship lasting a minimum of two years, with opportunities to pursue advanced degrees like a Master's in Clinical Science or Biostatistics, all covered by IU. Those joining the Global Health Research Fellowship obtain a Master's in Public Health (MPH) at no cost. For the Surgical Education Research Fellowship, residents complete a Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) program online through the University of Illinois-Chicago, with a stipend of up to $40,000 and some costs offset by elective courses at IU School of Medicine.

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Clinical sites for IU Surgery trainees: Eskenazi Hospital, Riley Children's Hospital, IU Health West, IU Health North, VA Medical Center, IU Methodist Health, IU University Hospital

Clinical Training Facilities

Trainees are able to engage with learning through clinical practice at nationally ranked teaching hospitals that record several million inpatient and outpatient visits each year. This enormous patient base provides a broad range of superb clinical educational opportunities in and near Indianapolis. It allows trainees to gain experience in cutting-edge diagnostics, treatments and overall patient care through clerkships and electives.

Conveniently located in the heart of Indianapolis, our primary clinical and training sites for surgical rotations include: