Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine General Surgery Residency Program

Thank you for your interest in the General Surgery Residency at Marshall University! We offer a robust and dynamic five-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to produce confident, skilled, and compassionate general surgeons.

Program Overview

• Program Length: Five years
• Accreditation: ACGME Fully Accredited
• Positions:
  • 4 Categorical (PGY-1)
  • 3 Non-designated Preliminary (PGY-1)

Our residents gain extensive operative and clinical experience across four primary hospitals in Huntington, WV:

• Cabell Huntington Hospital
• Mary’s Medical Center
• Huntington VA Medical Center
• Cornerstone Hospital-Huntington

Serving a broad patient population from the local community, Appalachian region, and the broader tri-state area, our trainees benefit from high case volume and surgical variety. Our recent two graduating chiefs averaged 1,200 cases—well above the 850-case minimum required by the American Board of Surgery.

Academic Excellence

We are proud of the accomplishments of our residents and the strength of our training program, reflected in recent highlights:

• 40% of residents earned commendations for exceptional performance on the ABSITE.
• Our residents actively participate and place in regional and national competitions such as:
  • Abstract presentations
  • Surgical Jeopardy (state and national levels)
  • Simulation-based skills contests
• 100% first-time pass rate on the ABS Qualifying Exam for recent graduates.
• 2025 graduates matched into competitive fellowships in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Burn, and Surgical Critical Care; one joined the US Navy as a General Surgeon.
• Graduating residents over the past two years have averaged 1200 operative cases, well exceeding the ACGME minimum of 850.
• Two residents were recognized as GME Resident of the Month over the past academic year.
• Success at the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Meeting, including recognition in abstract presentations, Surgical Jeopardy, and simulation competitions.
• Residents represented our program at local, state, regional, and national conferences, presenting research and participating in professional events.

Fellowship & Board Success

Marshall Surgery graduates are highly competitive for fellowship placement and board certification:

• Recent fellowships include:
  • Breast Surgery
  • Burn Surgery
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Surgical Critical Care
  • Pediatric Oncology & Vascular Anomalies
• Our recent graduates currently hold a 100% first-time pass rate for the ABS Board Qualifying Exam.

Surgical Training & Rotations

In addition to core general surgery training, our residents complete rotations in:

• Transplant Surgery rotation at the University of Kentucky
• New Pediatric Surgery rotation at the University of Kentucky  
• Robotic and Ultrasound Training onsite
• Offsite certification opportunities, including:
  • Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET)
  • Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM)

Residents in PGY-4 and PGY-5 receive structured resources for Board prep including Pass Machine, Osler QE and CE, while PGY-1s are supported with materials for Step 3 preparation including Behind the Knife, CCS cases, and Uworld. Additionally, the Program provides TrueLearn, ABS SCORE, and ABSITEQuest at no cost to each class as ABSITE study resources.

Research & Academic Support

Research is a respected and encouraged component of our program. Faculty and trainees collaborate on projects that are presented regionally and nationally, with opportunities for publication and professional development.

Apply to Our Program

We welcome applications through ERAS and look forward to reviewing yours during the upcoming recruitment season. Join a program where education, innovation, and community come together to shape the next generation of surgeons.