Andrew Barnes

Wake Forest

When I was evaluating programs for residency, I focused on reputation, post-residency placement, and location of training. Ochsner excelled in all these areas. Its reputation as a strong general surgery program was frequently mentioned by my mentors in medical school. Additionally, Ochsner’s graduates were placed into competitive fellowships as well as directly into practice as general surgeons. This assured me the strength of the program matched the reputation as the residents were confident to enter practice without additional training. Lastly, the opportunities to explore the music, food and outdoors in and around New Orleans is truly unmatched in the United States. I’ve had many great experiences in New Orleans with the Ochsner residents and look forward to many more!

Erin Berni

LSU – New Orleans

When researching programs and deciding what qualities I was looking for in a residency, I quickly realized that there were plenty of programs that boasted high surgical volumes, diverse patient populations, and broad-based surgical training. However, Ochsner stood out amongst these for its ability to consistently produce confident and competent surgeons who could match into competitive fellowships or go straight into practice at the end of five years of residency. Overall, Ochsner felt like a place where I could learn to be a capable, caring surgeon in the company of people who care for each other as much as they care for their patients.

Victoria Cox

Univ. of Kansas

I chose Ochsner because I wanted a program where I had options. Ochsner will give me the training to either go into fellowship or straight into general surgery practice. I also wanted a group of faculty and co-residents that would be supportive. Throughout the interview process, Ochsner was the only program that I felt like I was not going to be limited.

Spencer Jackson

Brody School of Med at E Carolina

The 2020 interview season was a new experience for students and programs alike. When researching programs, I knew that I wanted to train at an institution that prides itself in academic rigor, with strong case volumes all the while maintaining a supportive culture between both faculty and residents. It was clearly apparent on my interview day that these were all highly valued here at Ochsner. Since starting, I have been pleased to see how the camaraderie between my fellow co-interns, residents, and faculty lends itself to excellent patient care. As a French major in college, I couldn’t help myself but to be drawn into the rich culture and history of La Nouvelle-Orléans and La Louisiane. I am thrilled to start my training here at Ochsner and know that I will be readily prepared for whatever surgical career path I choose to follow.

J. Wesley Johnson

LSU – Shreveport

As a Louisiana native and a resident of New Orleans for many years, the quality and prestige associated with Ochsner are all too familiar, and major reasons I wanted to be a part of this institution. Also, I frequently heard about the plethora of opportunities you get to operate your first year, and my first day as an intern lived up to that and then some. You will never find yourself lacking the chance to scrub a case or clinical scenarios that will help you make leaps in your ability as a surgeon/physician. Ochsner’s General Surgery program provides everything one could possibly need to develop into an accomplished and well-practiced Surgeon. Too, I wanted to be part of a culture that is supportive yet fosters independence, and this program embodies that. You are part of a team here and it always feels that way. This is obvious among the relationships between the residents and the accessibility of the attendings, who offer insight and support the second it is needed. Ochsner has all the attributes of a renowned institution, which makes me appreciative of my opportunity to train here.

Mitchell Temple

Univ. Of Queensland

Ochsner was an easy choice for me after doing multiple rotations here as a UQ-Ochsner student. I was immediately impressed by the wide variety of pathologies that the residents are exposed to here at Ochsner. As a tertiary referral center, Ochsner gives residents invaluable experience in high level procedures within all areas of surgery. I also appreciate how the program provides the opportunity to spend time training in rural settings each year because this allows the residents to become more confident in assessing and operating on common general surgery pathologies. It was clear to me that the residents here at Ochsner finish as well-rounded general surgeons, prepared for both private practice or fellowship. Adding in the fact that there is a great deal of camaraderie amongst the residents at Ochsner, it makes for a residency program that I am extremely proud to be a part of for the next five years.

Brian Viscomi

East TN State Univ

o Ochsner is a wonderful place to train for a number of reasons. Ochsner has the reputation of graduating confident, skilled, and safe surgeons that are ready to go straight into general surgery practice or land spots in highly competitive subspecialty fellowships all throughout the country. What truly makes Ochsner special is the fact that this high-level training is provided within a culture of camaraderie, support, and mutual respect. The 2020 virtual interview season brought with it new challenges. Many programs struggled to convey their culture in an online format. During my interview with Ochsner, it was immediately clear that these are the kind of people I would be happy to see day in and day out. Ochsner has the operative volume to develop surgical skill, a well-regarded faculty dedicated to nurturing the next generation of surgeons, and a culture any surgical trainee would be lucky to be a part of. On top of that, you get to do it all in one of the most fun cities in America!

Andrew Broussard

LSU – Shreveport

Being born and raised in South Louisiana, the opportunity to remain close to home while receiving excellent surgical training sent Ochsner to the top of my rank list. I thought very highly of the fact that, each year, this program sends residents to competitive fellowships throughout the country while also placing a fair number straight into private practice. The robust surgical case volume as well as the critical care experience were characteristics of this program that I regarded highly. It was apparent during the interview process that there was a strong comradery among the residents, which is very important in this training environment. The staff are all very well-trained and have been approachable since the first day. I couldn’t be happier with the situation that I am in and look forward to the full breadth of surgical training at Ochsner over the next five years.

Chloe Callier

Mercer Univ.

When I was interviewing and researching different programs a few things became very clear to me about what I wanted in my residency, which is why I was so excited to start my training at Ochsner. I wanted to complete my training somewhere that would enable me to become a competent, skillful surgeon, yet wouldn’t sacrifice a healthy atmosphere for learning. The general surgery residency at Ochsner offers its residents abundant and varied surgical volume, all the while maintaining a positive, team-oriented learning environment. This was obvious as I saw the relationships between residents of different years as well as with attendings, who all offered help and give guidance whenever it was needed. And while I’m not sure if I want to pursue fellowship training yet, I know that regardless of my decision I will be prepared for whatever path I want to take in the future as a result of my training and the opportunities available here at Ochsner. The amazing city of New Orleans is icing on the cake, too!

Matthew Canipe

Univ. of TX Southwestern

Ochsner was an easy sell for me once I found that the program's priorities and values aligned with mine and I would get to live in the wonderful city of New Orleans. Ochsner has a proven track record of molding excellent, confident general surgeons as well as preparing residents to thrive in fellowships after graduation. This flexibility was a must for me. Additionally, the culture at Ochsner is centered around teamwork and respect. This creates an optimal learning and working environment. When we are not working, we have one of the most entertaining cities in the nation to explore, relax, and have fun in.

Reginald Du

Univ. of TX – Houston

I knew that I wanted to be at a program with a high operative volume, independence, and residents with whom I would get along. I found these attributes at Ochsner, with an added realization that there is a dedication to constantly improve the program for the residents. I am confident that Ochsner will equip me with the tools necessary to constantly improve as a surgeon both during and after residency. Living in the neighborly, storied, vibrant city of New Orleans is also an undeniable enjoyment.

Faith Mason

Univ. of TX Med Branch – Galveston

When looking for the type of residency I wanted to be a part of, three qualities were at the top of my list: high surgical volume, a strong academic program, and a supportive culture. Ochsner easily has all three and it is evident from the first second you step through the doors. The camaraderie among the residents is like no other and the support from the faculty is superb. From the minute you start, you are an important part of the team and given the opportunity to step up and perform as such. You will be taught how to be an excellent surgeon here and Ochsner has the track record to back that statement up. The Program Director (Dr. Fuhrman) is wonderful and sets a great tone for this program. He is always striving to see how the program can improve and works closely with the residents to make sure they are a part of the planning team. New Orleans is a fantastic city to live in and will surprise you in the best way possible with its amazing culture, food, and people. I feel incredibly blessed to be here at such an amazing program.

Wm. Dolan Mitchell

Mercer Univ.

After an away rotation at Ochsner during medical school, I knew immediately where I wanted to be. This program provides the complex case load and opportunity for clinical research as seen in the larger academic systems, and combines this with the operative experience, autonomy, and individualized training of smaller, community-style programs. Specialty rotations such as transplant, pediatric surgery, and surgical oncology are all in-house, and the critical care training is incredible. The people here at Ochsner are second to none and made the decision to train here an easy one. We study under esteemed surgeons and staff, and with a group of residents that make you feel at home. Not to mention getting to do all of this in a city as special as New Orleans! Ochsner is an incredible place, and I feel confident that my training here will provide a solid platform for whichever type of surgical career I choose to pursue.

Elizabeth Darby Winter

Med. Univ. of So. Carolina

My name is Darby, I’m originally from South Carolina. I went to undergrad at the University of South Carolina and then did Medical School in Charleston, SC at MUSC. This has been my biggest move thus far and I am so happy to call New Orleans my home. Interview season for me had a lot to do with gut feelings - and when I came to Ochsner my experience interviewing won me over. Our training is broad and thorough, the leadership here inspires me to be better and work harder. And just as importantly - the people truly like each other and their jobs. As a plus, this city is so diverse and has such a beautiful culture - people, food, music, art. I’m excited to see what the next years have in store.

Ashlyn Alongi

Univ. of Alabama

I chose Ochsner for the large volume of high-acuity general surgery cases, where I would receive excellent surgical training from a diverse and energetic program. My goal is to become a safe and confident surgeon at the end of my training, striving to be innovative and collaborative in the field of general surgery. I was incredibly impressed by the caliber of staff, as well as the supportive environment among the residents. I believe the relationship between residents and staff surgeons is particularly unique to Ochsner; I knew I would easily find surgical mentorship. In considering a path of fellowship training, I believe Ochsner provides endless opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. It was a very easy decision to live in such a thriving city that already feels like home.

Adam Berenson

Texas A&M

As I evaluated programs during the interview process, the surgical reputation of Ochsner combined with the overall culture at the hospital ensured that it would stand out from the rest. The training encourages operative autonomy in order to develop our core technical skills, yet also exposes us to complex cases and high-level care. It is clearly evident that the faculty support our goals and are equally invested in our successes, whether that involves pursuing fellowship or practice opportunities afterward. Most importantly, the residents were very welcoming and friendly during my interview, and I knew with confidence I'd enjoy training with this group. To add to this, we’re able to begin our surgical careers while surrounded by the energy and excitement that is unique to New Orleans.

Sarah Budney

Creighton Univ.

When originally looking for residency programs, I had a very objective approach. I wanted a program that would allow me to pursue whatever path I may choose after training, whether that be a career operating as a rural general surgeon or a highly specialized academic surgeon. For that reason, I looked for programs which had a good balance of residents pursuing both of these routes. I also looked for programs with flexibility to take optional research years and/or the infrastructure to complete meaningful research in tandem with my training. From the objective aspect, many of the programs I interviewed at were similar. It was my subjective experience while interviewing that made it clear Ochsner was the right fit for me. I feel that having a comfortable training environment is crucial for residency. After all, it is where you are going to spend the next five years of your life. Ochsner is a healthy program in which residents are supported by one another as well as their faculty. While early autonomy and independence is highly encouraged, so is asking for help. Some of the first words of advice given to my class was that if the ship is sinking, load the boat. From my few weeks here, this is something I can say the residents truly believe in. They are always willing to help. All in all, at Ochsner I know I am going to receive top notch training in a supportive environment and will have the ability to choose the career path I want.

Manuel Giraldo Grueso

Pontificia Univ. Javeriana

I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, where I did my medical school at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. I chose Ochsner due to the reputation of the program, complexity of cases, and the teaching and supportive environment. The program gives you the opportunity to be able to practice general surgery and at the same time be competitive for a fellowship. I'm fortunate to be training in such a formidable institution. Additionally, New Orleans is a fantastic city, full of energy, culture, food, and diversity.

Nicole Neal

Mercer Univ.

I knew by choosing Ochsner I would have the opportunity to receive excellent surgical training that would allow me to enter into practice as a general surgeon or match into a competitive fellowship. I also loved the genuine camaraderie between the residents and the support from the program director and faculty. I knew by coming to Ochsner, my best interest as a resident mattered. I am grateful to have this opportunity and proud to stand behind the mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate. And it doesn’t hurt that I get to do all these great things in a city like New Orleans.

Jaron Pettis

Univ. of So. Carolina

When searching for a residency, three factors were important for me. Location, training, and resident camaraderie. At Ochsner all three are blatantly evident. New Orleans is an amazing city with an endless list of fun activities to do. The surgical training at Ochsner is some of the best in the country. In surgery, the Ochsner name is synonymous with surgical excellence. As for resident camaraderie, that was obvious during the interview. The residents here are invested in helping each other improve, and when not at the hospital we are hanging out and enjoying what New Orleans has to offer. Ochsner has everything I wanted in a residency program and made choosing Ochsner an easy choice.

Amanda Riggs

Univ. of Texas

I chose Ochsner because it had everything I was looking for in a program: high operative volume, a strong sense of camaraderie amongst residents, and faculty that are truly invested in resident education. I couldn’t be happier to spend the next 5 years in city as fun and unique as New Orleans and at a program with such a strong reputation in surgery. I am certain that in my time here I will receive top-notch training with experiences that will prepare me for any career path I may choose. I couldn’t have picked a better place to train or live!

Ryan Bedi

Hofstra Northwell

I chose Ochsner because it had exactly what I was looking for in a program: good operative experience and opportunities to pursue my academic interests. All too often on the interview trail I encountered programs that had one or the other. At Ochsner, I know at the end of five years I will be a safe and competent general surgeon and if I choose to, I will be able to pursue the fellowship of my choice. Perhaps even more importantly, the people at Ochsner were what really sold me on the program. The culture here is one that is conducive to learning. As an intern, my upper levels want me to succeed and go out of their way to make me better. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Kyle Hoffman

Univ. of Alabama

I chose Ochsner because I wanted a program that had a high volume of general surgery while still providing opportunities to operate in highly specialized cases. Residents leave here with the case numbers to be a technically sound general surgeon, and the resumé to enter competitive fellowships. Additionally, I have found this program to be very close knit and New Orleans has been an incredible city to spend time in outside of work!

Wm. Peter Sawyer

Univ. of Miami

Ochsner was number one on my rank list for myriad reasons. The culture is positive. Patients are treated with respect and humanity. The staff and upper level residents are committed to teaching in a supportive environment. The patient population is diverse with a wide range of pathology. We get a month of rural surgery experience in Houma each year. We are trained to be competitive for fellowship as well as to be able to practice general surgery after residency. Bigger picture, the Ochsner Clinic is on the vanguard of changes affecting healthcare in the US. Its outcomes, as measured by IBM Watson Health, are reliably in the top 15 among large teaching hospitals in the country. I am thrilled to be at a place so committed to improving care for its patients, and to help in that effort. New Orleans, with its rich history, food and culture is wonderful. Time off feels like going on vacation, and I can continue my other love besides surgery -- sailing -- on the surrounding waters!

Mary Van Wert

Univ. of S. Carolina

When interviewing for surgical residency, I was searching for a program that would train me to be an excellent general surgeon while also affording me the opportunity me to pursue a competitive surgical fellowship if I so chose. I was captivated by Ochsner, not to mention the amazing food, jazz, and soulful culture of New Orleans. I ultimately chose Ochsner for its great surgery reputation, the engaged faculty and staff, and the fun and collegiate atmosphere among the residents.

Alexandra Hahn

Tulane University

As a Philadelphia native, who moved to New Orleans for medical school at Tulane, I was captivated by the city's unique charm and personality early on. In choosing a surgical residency, Ochsner’s program had everything I was looking for: ample, high quality, operative volume (even early on), a supportive community of fellow residents, and fantastic faculty mentors from which to learn and work with. When it came time to make my rank list, it was an easy decision to put a great program in the city I fell in love with at the top, and I could not be happier.

Laura Jeter

Mercer University

I did an away rotation at Ochsner and immediately felt at home. I knew the program attracted residents who were dedicated, well rounded, and personable - and I am beyond thrilled to now be a part of such an outstanding group. All of the faculty and fellows are so supportive and truly devoted to training and teaching the next generation of surgeons. The overall culture is extremely open, inclusive and hands on, and I cannot think of a better place to train for five years. Plus New Orleans is amazing!

Charles Pfister

University of Louisville

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and I also went to medical school at the University of Louisville. I chose Ochsner because of the great reputation this program has for surgery. There are many leaders in the field of surgery working here and educating residents on the most up to date treatments and procedures, which shows in the apparent skill level of the residents. This program has already proven to be very welcoming, and all the residents and staff are always willing to help. On top of all that, the city of New Orleans is a diverse and exciting city and there is always something fun to do or something new to try.

Ryan Phillips

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

Three main reasons why I chose Ochsner Clinic for residency: living in NOLA is awesome, I am getting the best surgical training in the country, and I have opportunities to fulfill my career ambitions. I am going to be a Pediatric Surgeon. I have ongoing research projects with the Pediatric Surgeons at Ochsner. After my third year of clinical training, I joined the Burn/Trauma/Pediatric Surgery research lab of Dr. Steven Moulton at Children’s Colorado to continue making myself competitive for the pediatric surgery match. I can safely say after speaking with surgical residents across the country my clinical/operative experience has far surpassed anything they have done in terms of autonomy and volume. I have done anastomosis of the great vessels in a heart transplantation and have had “autonomy” in the operating room that makes me confident when I graduate I could practice general surgery without need of a “transition to practice year”. If I had to make a rank list again, no question Ochsner would be #1.

David Samaha

LSU - New Orleans

As a future Navy surgeon, my wish list for a program focused on a team mentality and excellence in training. I remember Ochsner standing out on my interview trail for residents who were friendly and enjoyed each other's company, even at work. The program's commitment to general surgery as a potential career, and not just a preamble to a fellowship, was equally as impressive. We hope you get the chance to visit our city and experience a bit of the amazing culture both in and out of the hospital.

Tung Vu

University of South Alabama

I chose Ochsner for many different reasons. Most importantly, I wanted a program that would train me to be a great general surgeon while also preparing me for any fellowships I may want to pursue in the future. Being from Mobile, AL, I was also looking to stay close to my family. Lastly, I’ve always enjoyed the culture and diversity of New Orleans so choosing to do my training here was an easy decision to make.

Heather Liebe

Univ. of N. Dakota

The first thing that struck me when interviewing here was the obvious care that the staff had for providing excellent education to the resident in a positive environment. Each attending and resident I have worked with strives to challenge me in my knowledge of surgery as well as my technical skills in a constructive way. I chose Ochsner because it not only gave me the opportunity to be in a rigorous academic community where I can pursue any fellowship I choose but it also offered a supportive environment with a great group of residents and staff that challenge and support each other. From journal clubs to OR experiences to managing patients on the floor, you will see a breadth of pathology and learn from attendings and other residents how to be an excellent surgeon and compassionate physician.