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Typical Operative Experience of a General Surgery Resident

By the end of their PGY-5 year, our residents perform nearly double the minimum number of cases required by ACGME.

Defined Category	Required by ACGME	Performed *
Skin and Soft Tissue	25	76
Breast	40	92
Head and Neck	25	82
Alimentary Tract	180	353
Abdomen	250	377
Vascular	50	171
Endocrine	15	41
Operative Trauma	10	41
Non-Operative Trauma	40	83
Thoracic	20	34
Pediatric	20	73
Plastic	10	24
Surgical Critical Care	40	44
Laparoscopic - Basic	100	221
Laparoscopic - Complex	75	168
Endoscopic	85	104
Total major cases as surgeon	850	1,228
Total major cases as surgeon chief	200	221
Total major cases as teaching assistant	25	43
*Actual numbers based on procedures performed by Dr. Sarah Cottrell-Cumber, 2025 graduate