University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program

Program Identity & Fit

UIC's General Surgery Residency is a university-based program built on a multi-site model spanning UI Health, Stroger Hospital (Cook County safety-net), Advocate Illinois Masonic, Jesse Brown VA, and University of Chicago Medical Center, giving residents exposure to a high-acuity, underserved, multi-ethnic Chicago population alongside academic subspecialty depth in transplant, colorectal, and minimally invasive/robotic surgery. The program offers explicit categorical clinical and academic tracks, with the academic track dedicating two full years to research and structured mentorship in grant writing and project development, reflecting an institutional emphasis on producing academic surgeons. Distinctive infrastructure includes a dedicated Surgical Innovation and Technology Lab with monthly open/laparoscopic/robotic simulation, a formal robotics curriculum culminating in an equivalency certificate, and structured research showcases (Fall and Spring Research Days, Olga Jonasson Symposium). Graduates pursue the full range of fellowships as well as direct practice, indicating the program values both technical/operative competence and scholarly output across a broad range of career paths.