Medical Specialty

How Competitive is a General Surgery Residency? Updated for 2025

You want to become a general surgeon? Here's what it takes to match into residency.

If you want a career as a general surgeon, here is how competitive the medical specialty is to match a general surgery residency. General surgery is the branch of medicine that involves the surgical care focused  on abdominal contents including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland (depending on local referral patterns).

Statistics on the General Surgery Match

As of the most recent NRMP data, general surgery had a total of 2,400 applicants and 1,622 spots. This equates to 1.48 applicants per position. Of the 1206 U.S. MD seniors who applied, 222 did not match.

Total Positions Total Number of Applicants Number of Applicants per Position
1,622 2,400 1.48

Osteopathic (DO) Students Matching into General Surgery

The total number of DO Senior Applicants was 325. Of those, 200 matched, for a 61.54% match percentage. This makes general surgery a Not Friendly field for osteopathic students.

Total DO Applicants Matched DO Applicants DO Match Percentage
325 200 61.54%

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Matching into General Surgery

Because there are 0.74 U.S. MD applicants per 1 program spot, general surgery is considered to be Friendly for IMGs students.

Honors, Research and Awards for General Surgery Residency Candidates

The average matched U.S. applicant had 8.3 volunteer experiences and 3.6 work experiences. They had 4 research experiences and 7.1 abstracts, presentations and publications. That makes this specialty on where the number of publications needed is Medium.

Research Experiences Abstracts, Presentations and Publications Work Experiences Volunteer Experiences
4 7.1 3.6 8.3

Average Step 2 Scores for General Surgery

The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 250. The overall competitiveness level of general surgery is Medium to High for a U.S. senior.

How long is a residency in general surgery? What is the lifestyle like for a general surgery resident?

Compared to other residencies, general surgery has a Medium training length. As far as lifestyle, general surgeons generally have a High stress lifestyle. Of course, lifestyle is very subjective and if you love what you do, it does not matter! And if you hate what you do, it can still be rough no matter what. In medicine, you should find the specialty that makes you enjoy your everyday interactions with patients, staff and colleagues.

What is the average salary for a general surgeon?

The average salary post-graduation from a general surgery residency is $364,000, provided one does not go on to sub-specialty training which can change the salary substantially. Academic versus private practice as well as location also play a large role in physician compensation.

What are fellowships one can do from a general surgery residency?

Following the successful completion of general surgery residency, some physicians may choose to continue their graduate medical education with subspecialty training. Board-certified subspecialists complete additional training and qualifying examinations beyond those required for board certification in general surgery. Currently, the American Board of Surgery certifies the following fellowships:

Subspecialty Length
Breast Surgery 1 year
Cardiothoracic Surgery 2-3 years
Colorectal Surgery 1 year
Critical Care Medicine 1-2  years
Hand Surgery 1 year
Minimally Invasive Surgery 1 year
Pediatric Surgery 1-2 years
Surgical Critical Care 1 year
Surgical Oncology 1-2 years
Transplant Surgery 1-2 years
Vascular Surgery 1-2 years

What are the best general surgery residencies in the country?

The best residency for general surgery, or any specialty, is very driven by personal preference and situation. How close you are to family, loved ones, the type of training environment, the opportunities available are all things to take into consideration above and beyond name recognition of a program. However, there are some highly regarded names in the world of general surgery including:

    • Johns Hopkins University
    • Massachusetts General Hospital
    • University of California (San Francisco)
    • Duke University Hospital
    • UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center
    • Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium
    • University of Michigan Health System
    • Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Much of the data above is available from the AAMC Charting the Outcomes report.

FAQ: What Else Can I Learn About General Surgery Residency?

Q: What makes general surgery an appealing specialty?

A: General surgery is appealing for its hands-on nature, the ability to perform life-saving procedures, and the opportunity to work across a wide range of surgical conditions. Surgeons play a critical role in patient care, combining technical precision with clinical decision-making. The specialty offers a dynamic mix of emergency, elective, and complex cases.

Q: How many general surgery residency positions are available each year?

A: Approximately 1,400 general surgery residency positions are available annually in the United States. General surgery is a competitive specialty, with programs seeking applicants who excel academically and demonstrate strong technical and leadership skills.

Q: Do I need research experience to match into general surgery?

A: Research experience is highly recommended for general surgery applicants, particularly in surgical or clinical research. Programs value candidates who have contributed to advancing surgical techniques, outcomes, or patient safety. Having publications or presentations at surgical conferences is a strong asset.

Q: How important are away rotations for matching into general surgery?

A: Away rotations are crucial for applicants targeting specific programs. They provide an opportunity to showcase your technical skills, work ethic, and ability to integrate into a surgical team. Strong performance during an away rotation can lead to meaningful letters of recommendation and increase your chances of matching at your desired program.

Q: What should I include in my personal statement for general surgery?

A: Your personal statement should highlight your passion for surgery, relevant clinical and research experiences, and long-term career goals. Discuss specific encounters that solidified your interest in surgery and demonstrate qualities like resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Q: What types of conditions do general surgeons treat?

A: General surgeons treat a variety of conditions, including appendicitis, gallbladder disease, hernias, gastrointestinal cancers, and traumatic injuries. They also manage acute abdominal emergencies, infections, and other complex surgical cases requiring immediate intervention.

Q: What procedures do general surgeons typically perform?

A: General surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including appendectomies, cholecystectomies, hernia repairs, bowel resections, and trauma surgeries. They are also trained in advanced techniques such as minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, as well as robotic-assisted procedures in some cases.

Q: Are there opportunities for general surgeons to focus on research?

A: Yes, general surgeons can engage in research focusing on surgical techniques, patient outcomes, oncology, and trauma care. Many surgeons contribute to innovations in minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and enhanced recovery protocols.

Q: What subspecialties are available within general surgery?

A: General surgery offers several subspecialties, including:
Trauma Surgery: Managing emergency and critical care cases.
Surgical Oncology: Treating cancers through surgical interventions.
Bariatric Surgery: Specializing in weight-loss surgeries.
Colorectal Surgery: Treating diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.
Endocrine Surgery: Operating on the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Focusing on laparoscopic and robotic techniques.

Q: What does the lifestyle of a general surgeon typically look like?

A: General surgeons often work long hours, with demanding schedules that include overnight calls and emergencies. However, many find the work fulfilling due to its impact on patients’ lives. Surgeons in private practice or subspecialties may have more predictable schedules than those in trauma or academic settings.

Q: What innovations are shaping the future of general surgery?

A: Innovations in general surgery include robotic-assisted surgery, advanced imaging techniques for surgical planning, and the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and improvements in minimally invasive techniques are also transforming patient outcomes.

Q: How does general surgery intersect with other specialties?

A: General surgeons collaborate with various specialties, including gastroenterology, oncology, and anesthesiology. They also work closely with trauma teams, intensivists, and radiologists to provide comprehensive care for critically ill or injured patients.

Q: Are there fellowship opportunities after completing a general surgery residency?

A: Yes, fellowship opportunities include trauma surgery, surgical oncology, bariatric surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and more. Fellowships allow surgeons to develop expertise in a specific area and often lead to specialized career paths.

Q: What role do general surgeons play in patient outcomes?

A: General surgeons play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing surgical conditions. Their ability to perform complex procedures and manage post-operative care significantly impacts patient recovery and long-term health outcomes.

Q: What are the career opportunities for general surgeons?

A: General surgeons can work in academic medical centers, community hospitals, private practice, or military medicine. Many also pursue leadership roles in healthcare administration, teaching, or global surgery initiatives.

Q: How do general surgeons prepare for emergencies?

A: General surgeons are trained to handle emergencies through simulation training, trauma rotations, and extensive operative experience. They develop critical decision-making skills to manage acute situations effectively, such as traumatic injuries or life-threatening abdominal conditions.

Q: How do I find shadowing opportunities with a general surgeon?

A: Contact surgery departments at local hospitals or academic medical centers. Networking through medical school advisors, mentors, or surgical interest groups can also help you find shadowing opportunities and connect with surgeons who can provide guidance.

Q: What professional organizations can I join as a general surgery student?

A: Students interested in general surgery can join organizations such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). These organizations offer mentorship, networking, and educational resources.

Q: How early should I start preparing for a career in general surgery?

A: Begin early in medical school by excelling in anatomy and surgical rotations, joining surgery interest groups, and participating in research. Shadowing surgeons and gaining hands-on experience in operating rooms can also help build a strong foundation for residency.

Did You Know?

  • General surgery is one of the oldest medical specialties:

    The roots of general surgery date back thousands of years, with evidence of surgical practices found in ancient civilizations like Egypt and India. Modern general surgery began to take shape in the 19th century with the advent of anesthesia and antiseptic techniques, revolutionizing patient outcomes.

  • General surgeons are trained in a wide range of procedures:

    General surgeons are versatile specialists who handle everything from appendectomies and hernia repairs to complex abdominal surgeries and trauma care. They also collaborate with subspecialists for advanced procedures, making them key players in multidisciplinary teams.

  • Trauma surgery is a critical part of general surgery:

    General surgeons are often the first to respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as gunshot wounds, car accidents, and internal bleeding. Their ability to make quick decisions and perform life-saving procedures under pressure is crucial in trauma and emergency care.

Explore Other Specialties:

SpecialtyAverage Step 2 Score (Matched)
Anesthesiology246
Child Neurology246
Dermatology256
Diagnostic Radiology249
Emergency Medicine247
Family Medicine238
General Surgery249
Internal Medicine248
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics250
Interventional Radiology255
Neurological Surgery252
Neurology245
Obstetrics and Gynecology248
Orthopaedic Surgery255
Otolaryngology256
Pathology242
Pediatrics245
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation241
Plastic Surgery256
Psychiatry241
Radiation Oncology250
Vascular Surgery247

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