Our Residents - Surgery Residency Program

Choosing Ochsner for residency felt like the natural choice. I spent my final two years of medical school here through the University of Queensland–Ochsner program, and I found myself constantly gravitating toward the surgery department. I knew surgery was the specialty for me, but it was the people who made me want to stay. The faculty are incredible surgeons and teachers who are invested in helping you become the best surgeon you can be. The sense of community the residents fostered made it clear that Ochsner was the kind of environment where I wanted to train. On top of that, getting to live in New Orleans is a huge bonus—there's always something to do, amazing food around every corner, and an energy that makes it a great place to call home.

When I applied for residency, I wanted to live somewhere new. When I interviewed with Ochsner I loved that even being virtual, I could tell how well the residents got along and knew I could find a home away from home. It was also clear that the faculty are very invested in resident education and care about our well-being. As someone interested in pursuing fellowship training, I could also tell that Ochsner would prepare me well given the success of their graduates in securing competitive fellowships. At the same time, if I decide to go directly into practice, Ochsner is a program that prepares its residents to be competent general surgeons ready for independent practice. As someone who loves blues and warm weather, New Orleans had its own special appeal!

When I was considering residency programs, I knew I wanted a program where I could gain meaningful early operative experience while training alongside people who genuinely care about one another. On my interview day with Ochsner, it was immediately clear that not only did the residents truly get along and support each other, but they had great relationships with their attendings too, fostering an environment that encourages residents to grow and challenge themselves. Ochsner stood out to me as the kind of environment where I would not only be pushed to be the best surgeon I can be, but I would be supported and encouraged along the way. Being able to train in New Orleans, with its incredible food, culture, and community, made Ochsner feel like the perfect place to spend the next chapter of my life.

Growing up on the Northshore, Ochsner has always been a place where I've experienced outstanding, exceptional care as a patient. Those experiences helped shape the kind of surgeon I aspire to become: one who provides the same empathy and dedication that I received here. I chose Ochsner because it offers outstanding surgical training, with early operative experience, a high-volume and diverse case mix, and exposure to patients from all walks of life. The program consistently graduates skilled, confident surgeons, and I knew there was no better place to develop into the surgeon I want to be. Returning to care for the community that raised me while training in a city as unique as New Orleans makes this feel like home. After all, there's simply no place like New Orleans!

When I was choosing a residency program, I was looking for two things: great people and great training. I wanted to train in a culture where residents genuinely enjoy working together, support one another, and take pride in helping each other grow. I also wanted high operative volume, diverse pathology, and broad surgical experience that would prepare me for whatever path I choose after residency, whether that's a competitive fellowship or community practice. Ochsner checked every box, making it an easy decision for where I wanted to spend the next five years.

During my interview process, high operative volume, a diverse patient population, and progressive resident autonomy were a few things I prioritized when looking at surgery programs. During my 4th year away rotation at Ochsner, I learned it offered all of those qualities and more. I was struck by how supportive and welcoming everyone was, from the OR staff and floor teams to the surgery residents and faculty. Additionally, the camaraderie among residents regardless of training level was tangible and created an overall engaging environment. I ultimately became confident that Ochsner was the place where I would receive great, well-rounded surgical training while also having mentorship, resources, and the flexibility to explore my interests and pursue fellowship if I choose to. As an added bonus, I fell in love with the city of New Orleans and as a Louisiana native, it was easy to call it home away from home. Ochsner ultimately was exactly what I was looking for in a surgical residency because I knew it would challenge me, support my growth, and set me up for long-term success.

I chose Ochsner because of the people. While the program offers outstanding operative experience, diverse training environments, and excellent preparation for both general surgery and fellowship, those were not what ultimately made my decision. What stood out most was the culture. The friendships among the residents were genuine, the faculty were the kind of surgeons and mentors I aspire to become, and there was an undeniable sense that everyone truly cared—for their patients and for one another. As someone who grew up in an underserved community, I also felt deeply connected to the patient population we serve and the program's commitment to caring for those who need it most. Ochsner felt like a place where I could grow into the surgeon I hope to be without losing sight of the person I want to remain.

I chose Ochsner for residency because of the incredible people and supportive culture. From the moment I interviewed, I felt welcomed by the residents and faculty, and it was clear they were genuinely invested in each other’s success. Ochsner also offers an outstanding training environment with diverse surgical experiences and strong mentorship. Being in New Orleans is an added bonus, with its vibrant culture, amazing food, and energy making it an exciting place to live and train.

When I first came to Ochsner, I was a medical student with a dream of matching into surgery. From the moment I walked through the doors of the surgery clinic, I was welcomed by a team that made me feel valued and inspired. Now, returning as a resident, I am grateful to walk through those same doors every day, energized by the people who continue to motivate me to become the best version of myself. Ochsner is an exceptional program where you will find outstanding role models, a supportive environment, and a genuine sense of family.

My passion for Interventional Radiology has always been fueled by the complexity and breadth of pathologies that IR physicians manage. During interview season, Ochsner's IR residency program stood out because it offered everything I was looking for, a high-volume case experience, early autonomy, a collegial environment that fosters both personal and professional growth, and exposure to a wide variety of disease processes. It was also apparent during my interview how genuinely happy and well supported the residents were, and how committed the program is to help them become the physicians they aspire to be. Combined with the unique culture and charm of New Orleans, Ochsner felt like the ideal place for me to grow and build the foundation for my future career.