Application Process – General Surgery Residency Program

As per ACGME requirements, the General Surgery Residency Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is a five-year program.

Completed applications will be reviewed and if selected for an interview, the residency program coordinator will contact the candidate. Only a certain number of applicants will be interviewed from October through January, virtually via Webex. Applicants may apply for a PGY-1 categorical (4 positions) and/or a PGY-1 preliminary (3 positions). Graduation date criteria are within five years of application submission; however, recent graduates are preferred.

TTUHSC El Paso participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). 

To apply for a resident position, applicants must submit the following through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) - https://www.nrmp.org/residency-applicants/.  

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal statement
  • Completed TTUHSC El Paso application or ERAS application
  • Official medical school transcript
  • Dean's letter from the medical school of graduation
  • Three current letters of recommendation
  • Copy of ABSITE reports if residency/fellowship experience
  • Medical school diploma
  • United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) transcript

At the discretion of the program, prior U.S. experience may be required. For applicants who have prior residency/fellowship experience, a letter from a current program director is required outlining the following: written verification of previous educational experiences and a summative competency-based performance evaluation of rotations completed, evaluations of various educational experiences, procedural/operative experience, and current program standing.

Step I and Step II (USMLE: clinical knowledge and clinical skills) with a score of 220 or higher will be considered. Must have passed both Step I and Step II on the first attempt. COMLEX is accepted.

2024 ERAS Supplemental Application

For the 2024 ERAS cycle, our program will be participating in the supplemental ERAS application offered through the AAMC’s ERAS program. Applicants will be required to complete the “MyERAS” application. Participation in the supplemental ERAS application is optional.

2024 NRMP Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP)

Our program will be participating in the SOAP offered through the NRMP. Additional information can be found at https://www.nrmp.org/residency-applicants/soap/. 

International Medical Graduates

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications to be eligible to apply for the General Surgery Program:

  • Graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the LCME;
  • Graduates of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the AOA;
  • Graduates of medical schools outside the United States who meet the following qualifications:
    • Have received a currently valid certificate from the ECFMG
    • One year of U.S. clinical experience (does not include observerships, externships, or research)

If you have any further questions contact elpasosurgeryresidency@ttuhsc.edu