Scrub-in.  At SSOM we focus on practical training which means more time in the OR and less time behind a window 20’ from the patient.  Throughout the curriculum, students are engaged in “gloves-on” learning experiences that deeply impact their careers.

All medical students receive a grounding in surgical practices and those interested in becoming surgeons may choose from a wide range of electives focused on area of interest.

Our annual class sizes are limited to 71 students.  Our graduates’ #1 comment about their education is that faculty knew them by name, they really got to know the other students, and the smaller classes meant they never felt like “just another body” at a huge institution.

Combining our small class sizes with the strength of our regional clinics means students get first-hand experience practicing medicine.

• FARM students will learn what it’s really like to be the only surgeon within 100 miles.
• Transplant students have opportunities to be in air when observing a lifesaving organ donation.
• Our Sioux Falls and Rapid City students experience work at large hospitals practicing cutting edge medicine.

Our chair, Dr. Gary Timmerman, personally teaches an intensive surgical bootcamp that gives students a two-week introduction to the world of residency.  Utilizing our state-of-the-art simulation lab, students learn about intern “survival skills” along with professionalism and ethics.

We train general surgeons to be outstanding clinicians able to provide excellent surgical care and embark on independent practice in rural settings. Though our primary focus is training surgeons for practice in rural communities, our graduates will be well prepared to provide high quality care to patients anywhere.

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