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General Surgery Residency

Message from our Director Heading link

Dr. Shimotake, General Surgery Residency Program Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the General Surgery Residency Program at The University of Illinois at Chicago.  Our program offers a diverse training environment, with rotations in the university and community settings.  The goal of the University of Illinois General Surgery Residency program is to fully train physicians to become competent and skilled surgeons capable of the independent practice of general surgery with the highest ethical and professional standards.

We aim to produce independent surgeons in a supportive environment that offers increasing levels of autonomy.  Residents will benefit from training at several institutions including, University of Illinois Hospital, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Advocate Christ Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, OSF Little Company of Mary Hospital, and the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Our applicants can choose between clinical and academic tracks with funded research. Numerous research opportunities, including basic science, translational, and outcomes research, are available for all residents across the participating institutions.

Our didactic program consists of weekly lectures based on the SCORE curriculum, M&M conferences, and monthly simulation sessions.  Our state-of the-art Surgical Education Laboratory, Surgical Innovation Training Laboratory, provides opportunities for dry and wet robotic/laparoscopic training.  Through our comprehensive educational conferences, simulation resources, and commitment to surgical education, residents will be uniquely prepared for successful careers in modern surgery.

Most of our residents go on to fellowships after training.  Our graduates have been matched in the full gamut of surgical specialties.  Our alumni are successful in both private practice and academic surgery, carrying on the long tradition of surgical excellence at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  If we can provide any additional information about our general surgical training program, please feel free to contact us.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Application Process Heading link

At the University of Illinois at Chicago, we participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).  Prospective general surgery residents wishing to apply will need to submit their application documents electronically via the ERAS website.  Applications submitted directly to the department will not be accepted. The program is listed under three ERAS tracks:

  • 1150440C0 (categorical clinical)
  • 1150440C1 (categorical academic) – Academic track residents are expected to dedicate two years to research following their second year of training.
  • 1150440P1 (preliminary) – either designated or undesignated will be accepted

Foreign prospective general surgery residents: At this time, the surgical residency program can only consider applicants with the appropriate J-1 visa sponsored through ECFMG.

We are working hard to ensure that you will have an informative, interactive and enjoyable time with us learning about our program. Our interview season will be structured a differently this year. We will have four interview days – three will be held in person and one will be held virtual. This includes interviews for categorical and preliminary positions.

Enrollment Criteria

Our program is approved for 7 categorical positions and 9 preliminary first year positions. Our categorical residents will be distinguished by track – academic or clinical. Applicants must be within three years of medical school graduation. The following documents are REQUIRED for review:

  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • Dean’s letter (MSPE)
  • Medical School Transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Scores
  • ECFMG Certificate* if applicable

A completed application must be available to us no later than December 1st for the following academic year. Submitting your application does not guarantee an interview. With the number of applications we receive, we do not have the ability to contact all interested students. After review of applications, prospective residents will be receiving an email through the ERAS system if selected for interview.

The program does not offer positions prior to the Match.

For more information on the residency program, please contact: Heading link

Why Did I Choose UIC? Heading link

UIC Logo

“I knew in medical school that I wanted to pursue a career in either minimally invasive surgery or transplant.  While initially torn between the two, I had the opportunity to do an away rotation at the institution that performed the first robotic donor nephrectomy, UIC.  During my time there I was treated like a vital member of the team, and appreciated the camaraderie of the residents and attending.  I recognized the vast scope minimally invasive surgery had to offer, and wanted to be part of an institution which pushed the boundaries of surgery.”

Stephan Gruessner, MD  |  Class of 2024

Hospital and Training Affiliates Heading link

At the University of Illinois Hospital, we are privileged to work with top medical facilities to help develop our residents in different areas due to the diverse atmosphere provided.

Our program draws on the unique strengths of our integrated hospitals and their teaching staff at these various institutions to help challenge our residents to achieve their full potential.