The program also offers 1 or 2 years of preliminary basic surgery training for physicians planning a surgical subspecialty career. Residents achieve clinical proficiency through graduated responsibility commensurate with ability and level of training during 5 years of clinical experience. Graduates of the program consistently perform well on the ABS Qualifying and Certifying Examinations. Additionally, no more than 14 residents are placed in nondesignated preliminary slots to complete 1 year of training. The remaining resident positions are designated preliminary.
Preliminary assignments are independent of the categorical assignments.