The general surgery residency provides a diverse clinical experience in all components of general surgery. A structured didactic curriculum is in place which includes: basic science, surgical pathology/radiology, journal club, visiting professor lectures, surgical grand rounds, mortality and morbidity conference and tumor board conferences. The general surgery residency subscribes to the SCORE curriculum developed by the American Board of Surgery. Protected time for educational conferences provides a balance between the education and service aspects of residency training.

Additionally, the surgical residency is supported by an American College of Surgeons-accredited Surgical Education Center. The defined curriculum for PGY1-PGY3 residents includes hands-on practice with both low- and high-fidelity simulators. Wet labs using porcine specimens are designed to enable residents to develop skills in both open and laparoscopic anastomotic techniques.

Participation in a clinical research project during the course of training adds to the educational experience. There are resources within the department of surgery and in the institution to assist residents with their projects. The general surgery residents at LVHN have a long history of clinical research resulting in articles published in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and regional meetings, for which they have won numerous awards. Funding is provided to residents to attend regional or national educational conferences. Additional funding is available to residents presenting papers or posters.