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Find curriculum information on the General Surgery Residency program for the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine.

General Surgery Residency Curriculum

IU School of Medicine General Surgery Residents experience a broad-based clinical education and advanced training in the operating room as well as at the bedside. This five-year program exposes residents to all facets of surgery, including trauma, vascular, pediatric, transplant and reconstructive surgery.

Program Progression

  • Year One
    The main goal of the PGY1 experience for Surgery Residents is to ensure that residents understand the principles of pre- and post-operative care. Residents gain valuable insight in the operating room as both first assistant and surgeon junior under the direct supervision of faculty attendings or senior residents.
  • Year Two
    During the second year of residency training, PGY2 surgery residents continue the first-year residency work of evaluating and planning for the treatment of patients; attending rounds, outpatient clinics and conferences; serving as surgeon junior when the opportunity presents itself; and participating as a member of the educational staff for third- and fourth-year medical students during their surgical clerkships.
  • Year Three
    The third year of residency training in surgery enables trainees to gain greater decision-making responsibility through consultation opportunities as the most senior-level resident on the transplant, SICU, breast surgery and IU Health West Hospital rotations.
  • Year Four
    The curriculum for the fourth year of surgery residency training ensures that PGY4 surgery residents gain an increased level of responsibility through consultation opportunities as the most senior-level resident on trauma, pediatric surgery and apprentice rotations, including colon recta, hepatobiliary, surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery. In addition, fourth-year residents experience an increase in their leadership responsibilities on assigned services as a senior-level resident.
  • Year Five
    The fifth year of the general surgery residency at IU School of Medicine is the chief resident year, when residents assume senior-level responsibilities in both clinical and operative decision-making. During this year, PGY5 residents take on leadership and education roles for residents and medical students.

Apply to General Surgery Residency

Medical students interested in applying to the General Surgery residency program at Indiana University School of Medicine, can find information about the application requirements and process.

Application Information