The University of Oklahoma participates in the National Resident Matching Program. The General Surgery Residency Program offers seven ACGME-approved categorical positions: six traditional categorical positions and one rural-track categorical position.

Preliminary positions may be available depending on institutional funding. Interviews for preliminary positions are offered only on a case-by-case basis.

All applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service. Current preliminary residents are welcome to apply for available categorical positions through ERAS and the NRMP.

Applications are reviewed holistically and in alignment with our program’s mission and values. Program signaling is considered as one component of the interview-selection process, and greater consideration may be given to applicants who signal our program through ERAS.

Eligibility and Appointment Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to review the College of Medicine and Graduate Medical Education policies regarding resident eligibility, selection, appointment, promotion, and required documentation.

Residents must remain eligible for training and meet all institutional requirements and applicable requirements of the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision throughout residency. This includes completing required licensing examinations and submitting required documentation within established deadlines. Failure to meet applicable requirements may delay or interrupt training and could affect continued appointment to the program.

Please review the following:

• Eligibility Notification – College of Medicine Memorandum
  Updated memorandum for the 2026–2027 recruitment cycle coming soon
• GME Resident Eligibility, Selection, and Required Documentation – Policy 711
• GME Resident Evaluation and Promotion – Policy 716
• Eligibility Criteria for PGY-1 Positions - Graduate Medical Education (PDF)

Application Process for Categorical General Surgery Residency

Applications must be submitted through ERAS and must be complete before an applicant can be considered for an interview.

A completed application must include:

• Official Medical School Transcript
• Official USMLE examination transcript, Step Scores (Step 1 & 2)
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation
• Three current letters of recommendation submitted through ERAS
• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae
• Current ECFMG status report, if applicable
• Current contact information, including telephone number and email address

Current preliminary residents applying for a categorical position must also submit a letter of recommendation from their current program director.

International Medical Graduates

International medical graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate and meet all applicable institutional, GME, and licensing eligibility requirements. The University of Oklahoma sponsors eligible international medical graduates for J-1 visa status.

All appointments are contingent upon the applicant’s ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate Oklahoma medical license or training authorization required for their level of postgraduate training. The General Surgery Residency Program does not offer observerships.

Important Dates

2026–2027 Recruitment Cycle Interview Dates

Interview dates for positions beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year are currently being finalized. Please check back soon for updates.

In-Person 2nd Look Dates

Two optional, in-person Second Look dates are currently being finalized. Please check back soon for additional information.

Interview and Second Look Information

Our 2026–2027 residency interviews will be conducted virtually through the Thalamus platform. We are also pleased to offer two optional, in-person Second Look opportunities for applicants who would like to visit our General Surgery Residency Program and tour the University of Oklahoma Health Campus in Oklahoma City.

Participation in a Second Look is entirely optional and will have no impact on an applicant’s evaluation or position on the program’s final rank list.

• Virtual interview dates will be offered between November 2026 and January 2027.
• No interviews will be scheduled between December 7, 2026, and January 7, 2027.
• Our initial round of interview invitations will be released during the APDS recommended interview release window of October 21–30, 2026.
• Additional invitations may be extended on a rolling basis as applicants decline or cancel interviews.
• We will not extend more interview invitations than the number of available interview slots.
• Applicants will have a minimum of 48 hours to accept or decline an interview invitation.
• Interview cancellation instructions and deadlines will be provided through Thalamus.
• Second Look dates and additional details will be posted once finalized.

Application Review

Applications are reviewed holistically and in alignment with our program’s mission, values, and commitment to training compassionate, skilled surgeons. Applicants are encouraged to signal our program if OU is among their top 15 program preferences.

Questions? Contact Us!

Please feel free to contact our Education Program Coordinators at any time through the application process.

Ajay Jain, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Surgery Residency Program Director