Application Requirements

**Please Note:  Categorical interviews for 2027-2028 Training Year Will Be IN-PERSON**

The general surgery residency program is a five-year clinical program. Six categorical and one non-designated preliminary PGY-1 residents are matched through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) annually.

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Foreign medical graduates must hold a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and be eligible to obtain a North Carolina medical license at the time of interview. 

General surgery residency applicants must have passed Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to be eligible for entry into our program.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their full application early as interview dates fill up quickly. Applications are considered complete when the following documents have been received by the program.

• Common Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcript
• Dean's Letter
• 3 Letters of Recommendation from Faculty who know you best (Chair letter not required)
• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Transcripts (Step 1 passing score is required prior to extending an offer to interview)
• ECFMG Status Report (foreign medical graduates only)

Your completed electronic application must be available to us no later than September 23, 2026, for the 2027-2028 training year.

Selection of Applicants for Interview

We pride ourselves on performing a holistic review of program applicants. Selection for interviews is based on an evaluation of educational achievement, communication skills, research experience, extracurricular activities, as well as intangible qualities such as leadership, professionalism, attitude, and commitment to a career in surgery. Each year we receive over 1,400 applications and interview more than 50 candidates. Invitations are sent through ERAS and interviews take place in December and January as detailed below. We do participate in the ERAS Supplemental application program.

Interview Information & Dates

• All categorical interviews will be IN PERSON.
• We have 7 categorical academic positions, including 1 rural pathway.
• We will have 15 applicants per day for a total of 45 applicants. 
• Invitations to interview will be delivered via ERAS by November 1st.
• Interview invites WILL NOT be greater than available interview slots.
• In the rare case of a cancellation, we may send additional invites by December 31st.
• Categorical interview dates are 12/10/26, 12/17/26, and 01/07/27
• We will hold our preliminary interview date in February and that will be VIRTUAL. Date to be announced soon. 

How to Apply

Visit our GME page for information on salary and benefits.

Applications for the next academic year are accepted when the ERAS post office opens on September 2nd.

Our program deadline for completed applications is September 23, 2026. 

Read a message from the program director.

To learn more, contact us: