A comprehensive and balanced surgical training program is provided with the surgical experience offered. The diversity of the experience is enriched by the multiple but integrated programs of the above mentioned hospitals. Basic surgical skills and principles are fundamental educational goals of the training program, but supervision and teaching by a highly respected faculty with a wide spectrum of specialization and interest complement those activities. As a result, the resident is exposed to a variety of surgical preferences founded upon established principles. Technical skills, judgment in application of surgical treatment, and comprehensive patient management including critical care are complemented by graded progression in decision making and problem solving.
Graded responsibility is directed by the faculty so that consistent supervision is always available.
Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans is the principal institution used for surgical teaching by Tulane University School of Medicine. The Tulane Surgical Service and the Louisiana State University Surgical Service alternate days for admission of surgical emergencies. The Tulane surgical Service includes three general surgical teams at Charity and one at University Hospital, each headed by one Chief Resident under direction of faculty. Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans, although built for 3,500 beds, has never housed this number of patients. At present, approximately 700 beds are used for patient care.