Board examinations

You are required to take the written American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) each year. Your status in the program is not determined solely by your ABSITE results. However, these scores are a direct reflection of future success on the qualifying (written) board exam. A score greater than the 40th percentile is strongly encouraged.

Oral in-service examinations

During PGY-3, PGY-4, and PGY-5, you participate in oral in-service examinations given by Mayo staff members. These mock exams prepare you for the certifying examination of the American Board of Surgery. Half-hour interviews are conducted in a format similar to that used by the American Board of Surgery. At the completion of the exam, residents are given constructive feedback on skills for improvement.

Committee assignments

You are given an opportunity to gain experience in a number of administrative capacities during your residency. For example, appointment to the general surgery residency education committee provides you with experience in administering the program, selecting and evaluating the curriculum, and determining resident rotations and call schedules.

Teaching opportunities

You have the opportunity to teach Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students, visiting medical students and midlevel provider students (physician assistants) through bedside instruction and formal didactic lectures.