The nondesignated Preliminary Surgery Residency program offers a wide variety of surgical experiences to residents who have not yet chosen a surgical subspecialty. The program gives you one year of general surgery training before you go on to the military, public health or other professional interest.

Rotation schedule

This is a typical rotation schedule for the nondesignated preliminary surgery year. These rotations may be changed based on your interest in a particular specialty.

Didactic training

Clinical conferences, seminars, small discussion groups, journal clubs and one-on-one instruction are integral parts of the Preliminary Surgery Residency program. For example, you may participate in:

• Morbidity and mortality conference
• Basic science conference
• Chief resident conference
• Surgical Grand Rounds
• Journal club

Research training

Preliminary surgery residents are not required to do research, but they may choose to participate in clinical research in which they conduct chart reviews and write papers or prepare case study presentations.

Surgical Olympics

Mayo Clinic's Surgical Olympics evaluates General Surgery PGY-1 residents on surgical skills and knowledge. The Olympics have 17 stations, some of which include:

• Knot tying
• Lap skills
• ABG interpretation

PGY-1 residents are tested upon matriculation and again five to six months later to see their improvement.