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Application Process and Requirements for the Medical College of Wisconsin General Surgery Residency Program

Our program utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). If interested in applying, please coordinate with the Dean’s office at your medical school to submit your application materials via ERAS.

2024–2025 Academic Year – Interview Dates

  • TBD
We host a pre-interview event the evening prior to interview day.
Cadaver Lab

Application Requirements

A complete Common Application Form (CAF) on ERAS which includes the following:
  • Dean’s Letter (submitted by medical schools on November 1)
  • Medical Student Transcript with current surgery grades
  • No less than three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • USMLE Step 1 scores (Our program has not established score minimums for USMLE Part 1 results)
  • USMLE Step 2 scores as available
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Color photo
  • No more than two years post graduation from medical school

Graduates of medical schools outside of the United States and Canada:

  • Visa sponsorship: J-1
  • USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores
  • No more than two years post graduation from medical school
  • Wound Vac PrepWe cannot offer an interview unless you meet all of our qualifications
  • Must have a current valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) prior to the start of residency

Interviews are offered to applicants using a holistic approach based on evaluations of medical school performance, board scores, recommendations, personal statement, research experience, extracurricular activities, academic credentials, personal qualities, preparedness, communication skills and educational accomplishments. Important intangibles that are fundamental to selection include leadership, work ethic, professionalism and enthusiasm. Interviews are by invitation only.

Our interview process looks a little different this year. In addition to all interviews being conducted virtually via Zoom, we are working with SurgWise to maximize applicant-program fit, and create a selection process that ensures all applicants have an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their strengths. This new, improved process requires that you complete an online survey once your ERAS application has been received. This survey will allow us to learn more about you as well as provide you with insight into what it is like to train with MCW. The survey may take up to 30 minutes, and should be completed in one sitting. The assessment will come directly from SurgWise, and we kindly ask that candidates complete the survey as soon as possible after receiving it. The survey must be completed by the deadline indicated in order to for a candidate to be considered.

Residents are selected for appointment through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). 

For the 2022 ERAS® cycle, our program will be participating in the supplemental ERAS application offered through the AAMC’s ERAS program. Applicants will be required to complete the MyERAS application, and participation in the supplemental ERAS application is optional.

To obtain information about benefits and housestaff policies, visit our Graduate Medical Education website.

Learn more about MCW and the General Surgery Residency Program and Milwaukee:

Virtual Information Session (video)

The “P.E.R.C.S.” of our Program (video)

Life in Milwaukee