APPLICATION PROCESS | General Surgery Residency

Policy for the Recruitment, Appointment, Eligibility, and Selection of Residents

PURPOSE

In addition to the criteria listed below, the department follows all GME policies and procedures.

The application review process is designed to ensure fair and consistent consideration and decision-making for all applicants to the Department of Surgery Training program at LSU Health Shreveport. Recruitment and appointment of residents to the program is performed by the Program Director, Faculty and the Department Chair, all under the oversight of the Office of Graduate Medical Education. Candidates for appointment must meet minimum Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) eligibility requirements, RRC specialty-specific eligibility requirements, and the essential requirements of LSU Health Shreveport GME programs.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet all requirements for eligibility set by the Office of Graduate Medical Education (see Resident Eligibility Requirements for Residency Training). The result of these requirements is that applicants for residency must be pending graduates or graduates of at least one of the following:

An LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accredited medical school
An AOA (American Osteopathic Association) accredited medical school
A medical school listed in the World Health Organization Directory of Medical Schools
Completion of a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school

Additional Requirements for all Applicants

Must pass Step 1 and Step 2 exam on first attempt
Applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last 2 years. If this is applicable, applicants MUST HAVE a passing USMLE Step 3 exam score.

International Medical Graduates

Applicants should have U.S. clinical experience within the last 2 years with preference given to those who participated in a previous ACGME accredited residency program.
Must have a green card, be a permanent U.S. resident or have a J1-Visa already in place.
If medical school was completed prior to the year you are applying to our program, you MUST have a certified ECFMG certificate.

APPLY

The use of ERAS and the NRMP Match is mandatory for applicants. For the 2024 ERAS® cycle, our program will be participating in the supplemental ERAS application offered through the AAMC’s ERAS program. Applicants will be required to complete the MyERAS application, and participation in the supplemental ERAS application is optional.

NRMP Program Code - Categorical: 1232440C0
NRMP Program Code - Preliminary: 1232440P1

INTERVIEW

The applicant typically meets with the Chairman, the Residency Program Director and several members of the faculty comprising the Interview Committee. In addition, applicants also meet with current residents. Each interviewer evaluates the candidate using the following criteria:

Medical School Grades & Honors
USMLE scores (Preferred: Step 1 minimum 225/Pass, Step 2 minimum 240)
COMLEX scores if applicable (Comlex 1 minimum 540/Pass, Comlex 2 minimum 600)
Dean’s letter
Three letters of recommendation
Personal Statement
Communication skills
The interview

After all interviews are complete, the Interview Committee meets and each application is reviewed, discussed then ranked. The Program Director then creates the ‘rank list’ based on this review.

The program selects trainees among eligible applicants on the basis of training program-related criteria such as their preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity, as well as professionalism. The programs does not discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected status.

Interview Selection

A committee of faculty members chooses applicants to interview. Interviews are granted by invitation only by email. While the typical successful applicant to our program has demonstrated excellence in undergraduate training and medical school, the program values the broad range of experiences that our residents bring to the program. The program values cultural diversity and accepts candidates from all parts of the United States and abroad. The Surgery Residency Application Review Committee reserves the right to withdraw an interview offer at any time as deemed necessary.

APPOINTMENT

Duration of Appointment

All residency appointments are for a period of one year.

Conditions for Reappointment

Resident appointments are renewable annually on the recommendation of the Program Director. A decision to reappoint will be based on the resident’s performance, evaluations and his/her ability to work and learn effectively within the residency program.

Non-renewal of appointment or Non-Promotion

In instances where a resident’s agreement is questioned as a non-renewal of appointment or non-promotion, a meeting will be held by the Clinical Competency Committee to determine the need for dismissal of a resident. Should it be determined that a resident be dismissed, the resident may appeal this determination as outlined in the GME Policies and Procedures (see House Officer Dismissal/Non-Renewal of Contract).

Why Choose L S U H S?

" I was searching for a training program that would enable me to either match to a competitive fellowship or become a highly skilled general surgeon. I also wanted to train at an academic medical center with minimal fellow interference in cases, which is quite hard to find. LSU Health Shreveport seemed to have everything I was looking for on paper, but what really convinced me were the patients and staff during my away rotation. The patients have incredibly complex cases, providing unparalleled training opportunities you won't find at any other institution. The faculty are excellent and always eager to teach, creating an optimal learning environment. Additionally, the residents are some of my favorite people, always ready to help and create a family-like atmosphere. I am extremely happy to call LSU Health Shreveport home." - Dr. Adam G.