Our program offers extensive and early operative experience and training, with graduating residents almost always exceeding the required number of cases in all categories.  Residents recieve extensive training in trauma surgery, with Iowa Methodist being certified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons.

The program also offers comprehensive training in laparoscopic surgery including advanced minimal access procedures such as: laparoscopic fundoplication, bowel resection and others. The minimally invasive program this past year expanded to include a Da Vinci robotic surgery device.

All general surgery residents receive ACLS, ATLS, and instructor ATLS the first year. Most all residents are also FLS certified during the second or third year of residency.

Conferences

The didactic curriculum in general surgery is covered once a week in a two hour afternoon conference. Both basic and clinical surgical topics are addressed, with residents and faculty participating in presentations. 

Other conferences include morbidity and mortality conference, grand rounds, chief rounds, complex case presentations, journal club, decisions conference and trauma videos. Learn more about our conferences and view a sample monthly conference schedule.

Skills Lab

Residents and students work with faculty surgeons on a variety of surgical skills including suturing, intestinal anastomosis, vascular access/central line insertion, vascular anastomosis, chest tube insertion, airway management and patient care simulation using a SimMan manikin.  Learn more about our skills lab. 

• For Prospective Residents
• For Medical Students
• For Current Residents