General surgery requirements in the USA.

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To become a general surgeon in the United States, you need to complete a minimum of 13 years of training, including:

Undergraduate education: A four-year bachelor's degree, usually with a focus on pre-medical courses

Medical school: A four-year medical degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

General surgery residency: A minimum of five years of residency training in an ACGME-accredited program

Board certification exams: The Qualifying Examination (GSQE) and the Certifying Examination (GSCE)

You can also pursue additional training, called a fellowship, after completing your residency. Steps in training

Undergraduate education: Complete a bachelor's degree with a focus on pre-medical courses

Medical school: Earn a medical degree, such as an MD or DO

Elective clerkships: Choose electives in subspecialties to gain knowledge and skills for residency

General surgery residency: Complete a residency program that includes intensive surgical training

Board certification exams: Pass the GSQE and GSCE to become board certified

You can use the National Resident Matching Program ((NRMP)) to match with residency programs.

General Surgery Training Requirements

Qualifying Examination (GSQE) The GSQE is offered annually as the first of two exams required for board certification in general s...

American Board of Surgery