Education

General Surgery

The Washington University General Surgery Residency was among the first surgical training programs in the country to begin reshaping a century-old model of teaching residents how to perform surgery. Residents were traditionally taught under the “See One, Do One, Teach One” method: observe a surgery, replicate it with limited guidance, and, later, teach it. Almost 20 years ago, the Washington University residency introduced a skills and simulation lab that allowed trainees to learn some technical skills at their own pace. The residency, which began in 1919, has continued to be a leader in the postgraduate education field and remains one of the top surgical residency programs in the United States. 

Plastic Surgery

Vilray Blair, MD — one of the founders of the plastic surgery specialty — initially developed the Washington University Plastic Surgery Residency in the early 20th century. The residency is a six-year integrated program, including 4 ½ years of plastic surgery training in breast, craniofacial, pediatrics, head/neck trauma, hand, microsurgery, cosmetic and peripheral nerve surgery. Residents also complete rotations in all the general surgery experiences required by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and subspecialty rotations in oculoplastics, surgical dermatology, orthopedic trauma and anesthesia. Training takes place at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Christian Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Urology

The  Washington University Urology Residency  has a long and distinguished history in preparing graduates for careers in urologic surgery, dating to 1910. Today, urology residents are exposed to a volume and diversity of surgical cases that is among the highest for urologic residency programs. The program places major emphasis on technological innovation. Residents complete four years, as well as an additional intern year, performing rotations at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the VA St. Louis Health Care System and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.

Vascular Surgery

The  Washington University Vascular Surgery Residency is a five-year program for medical school graduates who decide to focus exclusively on vascular surgery, endovascular surgery and the management of patients with vascular disease. The program has full accreditation and graduated its first resident in 2017. The section also offers a vascular surgery fellowship for postgraduate trainees who decide to specialize in vascular surgery during their general surgery residency.