General surgery training in the United States

Surgical education in the United States historically was influenced by the German educational system. Currently residents spend five years to become general surgeons. Education focuses on the teaching of surgical basic sciences and practical instruction in the operating room and at the bedside. Students interested in General Surgery are selected largely based on their performance in medical school. Admission into first-rate programs is highly competitive. In many university-based programs residents are expected to spend an additional two years in research as part of their training. While on their clinical rotations residents usually spend 80 to 100 hours per week in the hospital. Resident salaries are moderate.