FAQ for UCSF General Surgery Residency Tracks
How do I apply to each program track?
There will be separate codes in ERAS and in the NRMP system to delineate the two tracks. You may apply to either one or both of the tracks.
I am interested in both tracks, how do I express my preference for one track over another?
We will send out a brief secondary application shortly after we receive applications in late September that will allow you to express your preference for one of the tracks, or designate that you are interested equally in both.
Do I need to use a program signal for the specific track I am interested in?
No. You only need to program signal the institution (UCSF), not the track.
Can I apply to both tracks?
Yes
Does applying to either or both of the tracks change my chances of getting an interview or matching at UCSF?
No. We will consider applicants for either or both tracks equally.
What opportunities for research/scholarly activity/professional development will be available to residents in the 5-year track?
We are planning on structuring opportunities for residents in the 5-year track to participate in creative and/or scholarly activity early on and throughout residency. This will include early introduction to an academic/research mentor, rotations with dedicated non-clinical time, and support for professional development during clinical years.
Who would be appropriate for the 5-year residency track?
This pathway may appeal to candidates who already have enough scholarly or research experience to fit their career needs, and who may prefer finishing all their clinical training in one block. It also may be appealing to candidates who feel that their professional development needs may be met during clinical time, and who would like to move more quickly to their next stage of their training or career.
If I train in the 5-year track, will my competitiveness for fellowship be affected ?
Specialties and institutions have widely variable expectations for fellowship candidates. Many applicants to fellowship do not have dedicated research years during their residency, and simply committing two years to research alone does not necessarily make one a stronger fellowship candidate. With guidance of faculty mentors, residents in the 5-year track should engage in discussions about fellowship choices early. This will allow them to best strategize for their professional development time and activities.
How does funding work for the 2 years of professional development/research years for residents in the 7-year track?
There are multiple funding sources that are available to residents, within the department, at UCSF, and outside of UCSF. There are designated faculty in the department who help guide and advise residents through the process of securing funding, in conjunction with the resident’s research mentor(s). It is the program’s expectation that residents work with their faculty mentor(s)/mentorship team, the associate program director for professional development, and members of the resident research committee to develop a plan for the two dedicated professional development years and a strategy to fund it.
After matching in either the 5- or the 7-year track, is there any flexibility?
We acknowledge that there are many circumstances that might necessitate a change in plans. All requests for a change (shortening or lengthening professional development years for both tracks) will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. If there is a change in career plans for anyone in a specific track, the decision to switch to another track would need to be made on a case-by-case basis. The program will always do our best to accommodate requests, within constraints imposed by the number of residents in each clinical year and funding considerations.