Program Overview

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Introduction to the UT Southwestern General Surgery Residency Program

The UT Southwestern General Surgery Residency Program is a five-year program designed to provide residents with a comprehensive experience in surgery. The program aims to strike an excellent balance between clinical training, structured education, and research opportunities, with the primary goal of preparing residents for careers in community surgical practice, research, academic surgery, or post-residency fellowship training.

Program Structure

The program currently offers 13 approved categorical positions in general surgery. In addition to these positions, preliminary residents train in the program for the first one to three years before proceeding to subspecialties such as neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, oral surgery, plastic surgery, and urology. Rotations during the five-year period include general surgery services, trauma services, and surgical specialty services at several affiliated institutions, including Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Children's Health, and UT Southwestern University Hospitals.

Research and Special Education Opportunities

All categorical general surgery residents are required to complete a scholarly activity on a project of their choice, working under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The program encourages, but does not require, formal laboratory research. However, residents are strongly encouraged to take time off from the residency program to conduct investigative work in a laboratory or participate in advanced educational experiences. These experiences typically last two years, beginning after the third year of residency, and are designed to prepare residents for academic careers. Residents who participate in these research opportunities often present their work at national meetings and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Conferences and Educational Activities

The program includes numerous scheduled teaching conferences, such as weekly teaching rounds on the surgical services, a weekly Chair's critique conference, and surgical grand rounds. Additionally, there are didactic conferences, including literature review conferences and basic science of surgery conferences. Each surgical service and specialty also holds its own teaching conferences, which residents are required to attend during their rotations.

Program Leadership

The program is led by Audra Clark, M.D., Assistant Professor, who oversees the curriculum, research opportunities, and resident well-being. Dr. Clark's background includes medical school, residency, and fellowship training at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Placement of Graduates

The UT Southwestern General Surgery Residency Program has a strong track record of placing graduates in successful careers. Approximately one-third of graduates enter private practice, another third pursue careers in academic surgery, and the final third continue their training in post-residency fellowships. Recent graduates have gone on to fellowships in various specialties, including pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, surgical oncology, trauma/critical care surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation surgery, and plastic surgery.

Research Areas and Opportunities

• The program offers a wide range of research areas for residents to explore, including but not limited to:
  • Clinical trials
  • Basic science research
  • Translational research
  • Health services research
• Residents are encouraged to work with faculty mentors to develop research projects that align with their interests and career goals.
• The program provides structured time for research, typically lasting two years, which begins after the third year of residency.

Education and Training

• The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in general surgery, including both clinical and didactic components.
• Residents participate in weekly teaching conferences, grand rounds, and other educational activities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• The program emphasizes the development of surgical skills through hands-on training and simulation lab experiences.

Career Development

• The program places a strong emphasis on career development, providing residents with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
• Residents are encouraged to explore different career paths, including academic surgery, private practice, and research.
• The program offers guidance and support to help residents achieve their career goals, including mentorship, research opportunities, and networking.