At the KU School of Medicine-Wichita, the academic component of our General Surgery Residency is a vital complement to clinical training. Residents participate in structured, evidence-based educational activities that reinforce surgical knowledge, critical thinking and board exam preparation.

Weekly Conferences

Residents attend approximately three hours of formal academic conferences per week, including:

• SCORE-based Didactic Conferences
• Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) Conference
• Grand Rounds
• Journal Club

Additionally, PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents participate in a weekly Textbook Club focused on foundational surgical knowledge.

Special Academic Events

Visiting Professors

We host four to five visiting professors annually. These experts engage with residents and faculty in interactive teaching sessions and deliver formal presentations over a two-day visit.

In-Service Training Examination (ABSITE)

All residents take the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) every January. This national exam evaluates each resident’s knowledge and progress and helps guide ongoing academic development.

Mock Oral Examinations

To prepare residents for the American Board of Surgery Certifying Exam (Part 2):

• PGY-3, PGY-4 and PGY-5 residents participate in mock oral exams each October.
• Chief residents complete a final mock oral exam in April prior to graduation.

These simulations closely follow the format of the official certifying exam and are a key part of our exam-readiness curriculum.

Teaching & Mentorship

Wichita serves as a clinical campus for the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Medical students are assigned to most General Surgery teaching services at Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center. Surgical residents play an active role in mentoring and teaching medical students, contributing to their development while reinforcing their own knowledge and leadership skills.