Our PGY5 Residents - Surgery Residency Program

I was drawn to Ochsner for residency for three main reasons. For one I knew that I was going to get excellent training, with a strong case volume and early involvement in the OR. Ochsner not only matches residents into highly competitive fellowships but also produces competent, confident surgeons ready for independent practice straight out of residency. Secondly, the variety of operative experiences, patient pathologies, and high acuity of cases attracted me to the program. And most importantly I wanted to come to Ochsner because of the camaraderie amongst the residents and faculty. I felt that I was going to be truly supported and cared for by my fellow residents and staff.

I was looking for a program with high operative volume, established reputation, and solid camaraderie among its residents. During my interview with Ochsner, it became quickly apparent that the program fit all I was looking for. The faculty truly enjoy their profession and teaching residents who are not only coworkers but also friends. Ochsner provides great and diverse opportunities for residents to become skilled surgeons in competitive fellowships or private practice. Moving from Florida to New Orleans has been a welcoming transition as the city offers great scenery, food, and people.

It was important to me to find a residency program that would keep all doors/opportunities open and offer high operative volume while providing a supportive environment. Ochsner does this and more! I am confident that whatever path I choose, general surgery or fellowship, I will be both prepared and supported along the way. The program is also dedicated to consistently finding opportunities to improve. One major aspect that drew me to Ochsner was the camaraderie among the residents and staff, which was apparent from the beginning. I knew I would receive excellent training and be happy here! The opportunity to experience these things with great people by my side in the incredible city of New Orleans is something I’m truly grateful for!

When looking at surgery programs, I wanted a place where I would feel supported, work with people I genuinely wanted to see inside and outside the hospital, have approachable attendings, and graduate as a confident surgeon. Ochsner exceeded those expectations. Ochsner trains excellent surgeons whether for general practice or for further fellowship training, and I liked seeing those graduates from here pursued both routes. Plus, we get to train in NOLA; I’ve heard it’s a pretty cool city.

I chose Ochsner because I wanted to train in a place that I knew would create a competent, well-rounded surgeon that would be fellowship or general practice ready alike. I chose Ochsner because the late Friday afternoon interview felt more like talking with friends than just another Zoom call. I chose Ochsner because I knew that New Orleans and her people would not only challenge me as a surgeon, but also pick me back up when I needed it most. I chose Ochsner on Match Day, and I'm so glad I did.

Throughout the residency application cycle Ochsner was one of the programs that remained at the top of my list. It offered all the things that I was looking for in residency: Excellence in training, high case volumes, camaraderie among residents and a diverse patient population. During meet and greets and interviews it was evident that residents and staff enjoyed working together and the culture at the program was one of teamwork and respect. Ochsner also has a proven track record of training excellent, safe surgeons who can go straight into general practice or pursue competitive academic fellowships, which was important to me when considering programs. Living here now, it's also great to take part in the exciting cultural, musical, and culinary experiences New Orleans has to offer!