How to Apply

Group of surgery residents.

Quick Information

  • nine categorical spots available per year
  • research years optional and available after PGY2 or PGY3 year
  • designated and undesignated preliminary spots available
  • the only general surgery residency in Buffalo
  • Surgery Plus Program allows residents to obtain advanced degrees in other areas

Submitting Your Application

Applications are accepted only through ERAS. Application submission deadline is November 1st.

Candidate Qualifications

We holistically review applications and compare them to all received that season.

Meeting all these preferred criteria does not guarantee an invitation, and applicants who do not meet all criteria are still reviewed for consideration. 

  • USMLE minimum score of 225 on both parts 1 and 2 in first attempt
  • A graduation date from medical school of less than five (5) years
  • U.S. clinical experience is preferred
  • Complete Step 1 and Step 2 CK before time of interview
  • ECFMG certified by rank submission deadline, and therefore must have passed Step 2 CS
  • Provide three recommendation letters, one of which must be from the Dean of your medical school, and all other forms consistent with the ERAS application.
  • We sponsor J-1 visas only
Clairice Cooper, MD and residents.

Interview Invitations

Our selection process aims to maximize applicant-program fit and ensure all applicants have an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their skills and capabilities. High-potential candidates are asked to complete an online assessment through SelectWise. This allows us to gain more information about you, and provides you with a realistic preview of what it’s like to be a trainee in our program so you can determine if we are the fit for you. 

Interviews

Interviews take place between late October and mid-February. Interviews are conducted  virtually via zoom, with optional in-person visit options.

With every interview date, whether virtual or in-person, the night before we invite all candidates to enjoy an informal dinner with the residents held via zoom or hosted at a local brewery here in Buffalo.

Faculty interviewers have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to conduct structured, unbiased, and job-related interviews so that all candidates have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their competencies. We hope these interactions are just the first of many that demonstrate our passion and commitment to identifying and supporting the future leaders of surgery.

Our interview dates themselves include a program information presentation given by the program director, interviews with faculty members including program and associate program directors, interactions with faculty and residents, and when in-person, a lunch and a short tour of our spectacular medical campus.

Contact

Please address all inquiries and other correspondence to:

Program Director

Cooper, Clairice

Clairice Cooper, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency Program

DK Miller Building, Office 310, Erie County Medical Center Buffalo, NY 14215

Phone: 716-898-5104; Fax: 716-898-3194

Email: cbakker@buffalo.edu

Training Program Administrator

Melissa Beckman.

Melissa Beckman

Training Program Administrator

Erie County Medical Center, DK Miller Building, 3rd Floor, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215

Phone: (716) 898-3627; Fax: (716) 898-5029

Email: mbeckman@buffalo.edu