Frequently Asked Questions- General Surgery Training Program
The following are frequently asked questions and a Powerpoint presentation given on interview day that can answer questions you may have about our Program:
How many categorical positions are available?
There are 6 categorical positions available each year. We offer up to 5 undesignated preliminary positions.
What is the yearly stipend of interns?
In the 2009-2010 academic year, interns are being paid $51,251. Chief Residents currently make $65,001. The salary for the 2010-2011 year is being determined.
What benefits does Stanford University Medical Center provide its residents?
The following benefits are provided to residents:
- Residents receive a one-time housing/moving expense allowance of $3000.
- Each year they receive an educational allowance of $2000, and they receive $1000 to cover gas, car mileage, and cell phone charges.
- hospital and major medical insurance for house officer and dependents; dental insurance for house officer and children (available for spouse at the house officer’s expense), vision and mental health coverage; lab coats and their laundry, malpractice coverage, certain University privileges, disability insurance, paid time off for illness and vacation; cost of initial medical license (obtained after receipt of a valid Stanford Hospital and Clinics contract) is reimbursed; on-call meal arrangements at Stanford for those required to be in-house for 24 hours; cost of USMLE Part III for PGY I’s; cost of CA MD license renewals and initial DEA & renewal of DEA.
What is “Professional Development” time?
After their 2nd or 3rd year most residents take time away from their clinical training to develop further interests related to surgery. We call this “professional development” time. Traditionally, residents have used this time to take advantage of the extensive research opportunities at Stanford. Residents developed scientific expertise in plastics surgery, pediatric surgery, and cardiac surgery. However, other residents have used this time to pursue additional degrees in business, education, and public health.
What funding is available for the “Professional Development” time?
Residents are responsible for seeking and applying for funding to support their professional time. Our residents have been very competitive at finding funding from national organizations. A limited amount of funding is available for residents who have made a good faith effort at obtaining funding.
Does the Stanford General Surgery Residency support travel to national meetings?
The residency pays for the chief residents to go to one meeting during their chief year. Usually, they go to the American College of Surgery meeting. If residents of any level are presenting at a national meeting, the principle investigator is expect to cover the expenses.
What international experience does the Surgery Residency offer?
We encourage residents to seek out international opportunities. Previous residents have spent time in Haiti, Guatemala, and Eretria. Most residents who have gone abroad have used time during their professional development years or vacation time to participate in these experiences.
How is the call schedule determined?
Each year two chief residents are chosen to be the Administrative Chiefs. Their responsibilities include maintaining a call schedule that is fair and compliant with the ACGME work hour rules.
What is the current accreditation of the Stanford General Surgery Residency Program?
We are accredited by the Residency Review Council through February 2013. Around that time we will undergo a scheduled review.
