Thank you for considering the colon and rectal surgery program at the University of Southern California. This is a relatively new program, yet it is sponsored by a medical school and surgical training program that has been in existence for well over 100 years. There is a strong education tradition at the University of Southern California, and we are proud to carry on the tradition.

The purpose of our training program is to provide superior clinical training. As you will find out, however, this is a unique environment, and we think it offers more than a large clinical volume and exposure. It offers an unusual breadth of experience incorporating an extremely large county hospital, but also a University referral center, a cancer center, and private practice rotations. L.A. County Hospital is the country's largest county hospital and the pathology found in this center is unparalleled.

This is a unique academic environment. You will be exposed to a broad range of research in cancer, inflammatory bowel, genetic therapy, and epidemiology research. USC is currently #16 is NCI funding and we are proud to be actively involved in many of these programs.

The staff in the program is involved with teaching and is committed to colon and rectal surgery. All of these teachers are committed to colon and rectal surgery. However, this is within a tradition of a strong general surgical program. Most of us feel that surgeons are medical physicians with added skills.

Similarly, colorectal surgeons are general surgeons with an added expertise. During your time at the University of Southern California, you will be participating in many of the educational aspects of the general surgery program in order to maintain and enhance your general surgical training. However, the year will clearly focus on colorectal surgery.

We encourage you to participate in the academic and research activities of the department. We anticipate that you will publish several papers during the time you are at the University of Southern California.

Please fill out the questionnaire and submit all required materials. An incomplete application will only delay consideration and may result in denial. Interviews are desirable and we will try to arrange the interview to be convenient with your schedule. You can contact our residency coordinator at (323) 865-3690 with any questions you may have.

Complete all information directly on the form.

Please include a letter from your chief of surgery.

Please include two letters from physicians who are familiar with your work and character.

Please include a photostatic copy of your medical license.

Please include a list of your papers and investigative work.

Please include a statement outlining your interest in a colorectal surgery career.

Please send material to:

Department of Colorectal Surgery
Attn: Residency Coordinator
1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 7418
Los Angeles, CA 90033