Training future leaders in surgery
Our nationally recognized residency and fellowship programs prepare trainees for careers as leaders in each surgical subspecialty.
High clinical volume
#2 in NIH funding
Top ranked programs
Residency programs
General surgery residency
Our general surgery residents are exposed to the entire breadth of each surgical subspecialty, from common procedures to the most complex surgical problems. The program also includes an innovative simulation training curriculum, flexibility in surgical training, early specialization pathways and robust research opportunities.
Plastic surgery residency
The six-year integrated residency program provides plastic and reconstructive surgical training in breast, craniofacial, pediatrics, head/neck trauma, hand, microsurgery, cosmetic and peripheral nerve surgery. This program prepares trainees for careers in plastic surgery by teaching surgical skills, emphasizing research and cultivating leadership.
Vascular surgery residency
Our vascular surgery residency prepares trainees to excel in the field. Residents are provided with a wide range of training in the details of CT and MR imaging techniques, clinical experience in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care, and experience in both endovascular and open vascular procedures.
Urology residency
Urology residents are exposed to a volume and diversity of surgical cases that is among the highest in the nation for urologic residency programs. The program places major emphasis on technological innovation and preparing graduates for successful careers in urologic surgery.
Fellowship programs
Our fellows benefit from the high clinical volume of our surgical subspecialties.
Fellows also gain valuable experience training residents and medical students as part of our intensive, highly ranked fellowship programs, preparing them for careers in academic surgery.
Simulation training
In addition to high operative experience, residents develop surgical skills—including minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques—at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education, a nearly 4,000 square-foot educational space.
Washington University Medical Campus
As an interdisciplinary community of scientists, care providers, learners and innovators, Washington University Medical Campus comprises the core of world-class biomedical research and health care in the St. Louis region and beyond.
Comprehensive facilities and a world-renowned faculty provide trainees with a supportive environment to develop the skills, attitudes, knowledge and commitments necessary to perform clinical and research activities at the highest level.
Master of Population Health Sciences
The Master of Population Health Sciences (MPHS) degree program was established in 2010 by Graham Colditz, MD, DrPH, an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and chief of the Division of Public Health Sciences in the Department of Surgery.
The program prepares its students for distinguished clinical research careers by accelerating and deepening their expertise in population health and clinical outcomes research.
The program is designed for:
- Physicians
- Residents
- Fellows
- Clinical doctorates and those with doctoral-level degrees
- Medical and health sciences students
Medical campus
The Washington University Medical Campus is the core of world-class biomedical research and health care in the St. Louis region and beyond.
Life in St. Louis
We love St. Louis for the variety of activities, low cost of living, camaraderie of our training programs and so much more!
Education updates
Colon and Rectum: Part 1 – Washington Manual of Surgery
Five surgeons elected into AΩA class of 2026
