General Surgery Residency Program
About our program
The general surgery residency program at OHSU is one of the nation’s largest, graduating 13 residents per year. In addition to its size, the program is unique because it offers a breadth of diversity in training via rotations at eight different hospitals in the Portland metropolitan area, and one in southern Oregon. The hospitals include a University-based medical center, a VA medical center, Children’s hospitals, an HMO, and community-based hospitals. Residents are exposed to a wide variety of teaching and practice models.
For the past 10 years, our program has been directed by Karen Brasel, M.D., M.P.H. Effective May 1, 2024, Dr. Brasel has stepped down in order to assume her new appointment as Vice President of the American Board of Surgery. We thank Dr. Brasel for her outstanding leadership and service, and we congratulate her on this prestigious national role. Following a national search, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Farah Husain has been successfully recruited as the new Program Director. She has officially begun her role on June 1, 2025.
The program curriculum includes skills labs for residents at all levels, from instruction in laparoscopic technique to round-table discussion regarding medical ethics and professionalism. Skills labs take place in our state-of-the-art surgical simulation center, VirtuOHSU, a highly versatile space supporting open, laparoscopic, endoscopic and microscopic technical skills training using task trainers, virtual reality, and synthetic or cadaveric tissues.
The residency also includes optional training in the Oregon towns of Grants Pass and Coos Bay. This rural surgery 6 months to a year is counted as clinical training by the American Board of Surgery. Six residents are eligible each academic year, as selected by the Program Director. Residents participate in cases with urologists, orthopedic surgeons, and obstetrician-gynecologists, along with general surgeons.
Most general surgery residents elect to do one year of clinical research between their third and fourth years of training. After their proposal is reviewed and accepted by the Department of Surgery Research Committee, residents begin their research year on July 1. In addition to research, residents in their research year take occasional call when necessary, participate on a variety of OHSU Committees, and assist with the general surgery residency interview process. A second year of research is often possible.
Upon completion of the residency training program, many residents opt to do specialty fellowships. Recent graduates have obtained fellowships in such institutions as Johns Hopkins, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Cleveland Clinic. However, residents are well prepared to enter the independent practice of general surgery if they decide to forego additional training.
For further information regarding the general surgery residency program at OHSU, please contact us.
OHSU is an institutional member of the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies , Association of Women Surgeons Latino Surgical Society , The Society of Asian Academic Surgeons and The Society of Black Academic Surgeons
The Department of Surgery recognizes the ongoing societal and systemic challenges that impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities. We are committed to addressing these challenges through intentional action across all areas of our work—clinical, educational, research, and community engagement. Our goal is to promote access to equitable healthcare and cultivate a department-wide culture rooted in respect, accountability, and excellence. We welcome and encourage collaboration as we continue to build a professional environment where every individual feels valued and supported.
Program mission statement
The General Surgery Residency Program at Oregon Health & Science University is dedicated to training future leaders in surgery. We are committed to developing highly skilled, compassionate surgeons who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patient-centered care, while serving all communities across the Pacific Northwest. In a rigorous but supportive academic setting, we provide exposure to innovative research, cutting-edge surgical training, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Our graduates are prepared to excel in academic, rural, and community-based practice settings and to advance the field of surgery in Oregon and beyond.
Program aims
- Train residents for independent clinical practice and success in fellowship
- Educate the next generation of surgeon educators and surgeon scientists
- Prepare graduates for leadership in today’s and tomorrow’s changing healthcare environment
- Cultivate a welcoming and supportive learning environment that values different perspectives and is respectful to all
Contact us
Mackenzie Emergency Assistance Fund
The Emergency Assistance Fund was established by the Mackenzie Society with aid of the 2020 Chief Residents to assist current OHSU general surgery residents who need short-term financial assistance due to food or housing insecurity, transportation needs, medical bills, or unexpected expenses. It is a grant, not a loan, and there is no expectation of repayment. The hope of the Mackenzie Society is that recipients will, at some point in the future when they are able, contribute to the society and the Fund to help future residents in need.
Applications, which may be de-identified by the Education Manager once submitted, will be reviewed by the Program Director, Mackenzie Society President, and Education Manager. Click here to apply.
