Application Requirements

**Please Note:  Interviews for 2025-2026 Training Year Will Be VIRTUAL**

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 application.

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 25, 2024 for the 2025-2026 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 1,600 applications and interview between 80 and 90 candidates. Invitations are sent through ERAS and interviews take place in November, December and January as detailed below. We do participate in the ERAS Supplemental application program.

Virtual Interview Information & Dates

• All interviews will be VIRTUAL.
• We have 6 categorical academic positions.
• We will interview 70 candidates.
• 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 January 21st.
• Interview dates will be November 14th, December 3rd, December 19th, January 15th and January 30th. 
• Prelim interview day will be February 4th.
• Open House will be February 13th.

Pre-Interview Social with Residents

This is a very laid back and relaxing virtual event which occurs the evening prior to your interview date. Applicants will visit three "rooms" and take advantage of the opportunity to meet some of our residents, get a "feel" of the dynamics and camaraderie among the residents, as well as learn more about our program and the Queen City! This part of the interview experience has become quite popular among applicants and often mentioned by our Matches as a key factor in determining where they ranked CMC.

Date: Evening prior to your interview

Time:  7 to 9 p.m.

Interview Day

This is your time to SHINE!  Each applicant will interview with our Program Director plus three faculty members. Applicants will also get to chat with our residents, especially our current first years. First years are an incredibly valuable resource for candidates during the interview process. They bring the calm and remind everyone to relax, be yourself and just breathe.

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 4th.

Our program deadline for completed applications is September 25, 2024. 

Read a message from the program director.

To learn more, contact us: