Choosing a Surgery Training Environment: Independent Programs

A surgical training program is defined as independent when it is connected to an academic medical center but not governed by a university based medical school. Approximately one third of the surgical training programs in the US fit into this category. Additionally, compared to their university-affiliated peers, these graduates have been shown to have increased confidence to practice independently, as well as enjoying improved program support and equivalent success with fellowship matches and practice opportunities. Herein, we describe the landscape of independent residency training programs in the United States.