Although the clinical emphasis is on a broad general surgical training experience, each resident gets the chance to gain depth in more specific areas. On completion of the program, the resident has been trained not only as a general surgeon but also has particular skills in areas of choice that might include one or more of: vascular surgery, endocrine surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, laparoscopic surgery, biliary and pancreatic surgery, transplantation, trauma, pediatric surgery, or surgical oncology.

 

In keeping with our central academic mission, all matriculating residents are expected to complete two years of focused research in the absence of clinical responsibilities, typically between the second and third clinical years.  Although these activities usually involve basic laboratory research, recent graduates have pursued alternative opportunities including advanced clinical research design.  Laboratory experiences draw from the vast array of laboratories within and outside of the department of surgery present at Duke University .  Residents during these years are fully supported by the department.  Residents with advanced degrees and/or significant research experiences prior to entering the residency may forego this experience if a clinical position becomes available and approved by the program director.

 

Whereas Duke has historically positioned its graduates directly into the most competitive academic appointments directly after graduating, recent changes in American Surgery with an emphasis on specialization have led almost all recent graduates to seek fellowship training upon completion of the residency.  Our graduates are highly competitive and routinely place into the most attractive fellowships in the country and have included in recent years entry into the finest surgical oncology, transplantation, cardiothoracic, trauma, plastic surgery, vascular, and minimally invasive surgery programs.

 

We want you to enjoy your visit to the General Surgery Residency Training Program Web site. We hope it inspires you to want to learn more about our program offerings, our institution, and what gives General Surgery Residency Education at Duke its sense of purpose and mission.