Education
World-class general surgery education at UCLA
At the UCLA Division of General Surgery, we are committed to cultivating the next generation of surgical leaders through comprehensive residency and fellowship programs. Our trainees benefit from a rigorous academic environment, hands-on clinical experience, and mentorship from world-renowned faculty.
General Surgery Residency Program
Our General Surgery Residency is a 7-year program, comprising 5 clinical years and 2 dedicated years for research or professional development. The program emphasizes the development of technical proficiency, clinical judgment, and leadership skills. Residents gain extensive experience in:
- Advanced surgical techniques
- Multidisciplinary patient care
- Health equity and global surgery initiatives
- Clinical and translational research
Endocrine Surgery Fellowship
This fellowship offers comprehensive training in the surgical management of endocrine disorders, including diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Fellows engage in high-volume operative experience and participate in multidisciplinary clinics and research projects.
Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship
Fellows are trained in the management of critically ill and injured patients, covering areas such as emergency surgery, intensive care, and trauma systems. The program includes rotations in high-acuity settings and involvement in trauma research.
Medical student and visiting trainee opportunities
UCLA offers various educational opportunities for medical students and visiting trainees, including:
- Sub-internships in general surgery and subspecialties
- Research electives
- Participation in departmental conferences and grand rounds
- Simulation-based surgical skills training
- Visiting student scholarships
These programs are designed to provide foundational surgical knowledge and exposure to the clinical environment.
Commitment to diversity and global health
The Division is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive training environment. We actively recruit trainees from varied backgrounds and encourage participation in global health initiatives, aiming to address surgical disparities worldwide.