Value of Research Years for International Medical Graduates Applying to General Surgery Residency.

Objective: While dedicated research time (DRT) offers international medical graduates (IMGs) exposure to the US healthcare system and helps boost their residency application, it can lengthen time away from clinical activity. We aimed to determine the value of DRT/protected research time for an IMG applying to general surgeryresidency (GSR).

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Preliminary general surgery residents: indentured servitude or golden opportunity?

Background: One-year, preliminary general surgery (GS) positions are viewed by medical student applicants as among the least desirable positions offered through the match. Hundreds of preliminary GS positions go unfilled each year, and international medical graduates (IMGs) fill a substantial portion of the spots filled. "Prelims" foster diversity and add manpower to surgical training programs, but do trainees eventually benefit from this 1-year effort?

Methods: Nondesignated (ND) preliminary GS residents at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, were identified from 1993 to 2003.