Changing Medicine, Changing Lives
At Iowa, you’ll be well prepared, whether you follow a path toward general surgery or continue for a fellowship in a surgical subspecialty. We take pride in offering our residents a superior education aimed at providing leading-edge patient care and advancing our field through basic-science and clinical research.
Our residents are prepared for success along whatever career path they choose — academics, subspecialties, or private practice.
Why Choose Our Program
Residency training is a top priority for all members of the surgery faculty. You’ll move through a well-engineered program that provides you with increasing responsibility from year one to year five.
Start Your Application
Explore required documentation, certification, and how to apply.
Get to Know Our People
Hear what our current residents have to say about their experiences and meet your future team.
Hear from our residents
I think that what makes our program at Iowa unique is that we are a large academic medical center situated in a very large rural area... and that gives us a solid foundation in general surgery techniques that everybody needs to know.
Training at the University of Iowa has been an incredible experience. We are a large, tertiary referral center. We see a large volume of very complex surgical oncology and emergency general surgery... Residents get significant opportunity to be primary surgeon on complex cases in their senior years with graduated autonomy. Additionally, Iowa City is a welcoming community with a lively college atmosphere. My co-residents are hardworking and have great camaraderie, which makes work more fun.
The University of Iowa is the state's premier referral center and this provides a very robust surgical training experience... Faculty actively supported my goal of becoming a surgical oncologist and surgeon-scientist. I was quickly involved in research projects, encouraged to join surgical societies, and supported in presenting at national meetings.
GME at UI Health Care
Competitive Benefits
Graduate Medical Education at University of Iowa Health Care offers multiple benefits and opportunities for residents and fellows, featuring competitive stipends and health coverage.
Experience Iowa City
Iowa City is a vibrant community setting, where it’s possible to bike or walk from a comfortable neighborhood to our medical center. Because we’re part of a vibrant Big Ten university campus, you’ll find arts, sports, entertainment, and recreation activities abound.
Explore your research opportunities
Different from many residency programs, ours will immerse you in research that’s informed by your own curiosity and passion. You’ll not only have the support of a faculty mentor, but the laboratory and computing resources of a major academic medical center.
Explore your rotations
We offer a diverse and comprehensive curriculum.
Click here to learn more about the General Surgery Residency rotations.
Explore our surgical skills training
You’ll take part in weekly simulation-based skills training led by expert faculty.
These sessions are designed to help you build confidence and technical ability in a supportive, low-stress environment.