University of South Dakota School of Medicine Program
About This Program
The USDSSOM General Surgery Residency Program exclusively focuses on training community-based (rural) general surgeons, where residents gain early operative experience as interns. All graduating chiefs have met and exceeded the minimum requirements in all subspecialty surgical procedures. All subspecialty rotations are based at the primary teaching institution. Rural surgical rotation in PGY2&3 and VA rotation in PGY1. Robust didactics. International rotation option for seniors.
Program Statistics
Types of Graduates
Resident Gender
Contact Information
Program Director
Thavam C Thambi-Pillai, MD, MBA
USD Sanford Sch of Med
Primary Program Contact
Margie Schade, MS
USD Sanford Sch of Med
Locations
USD Sanford Sch of Med
Rm 219
1400 W 22nd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
1400 W 22nd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-1570
2501 W 22nd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5046
501 Summit St
Yankton, SD 57078
Application Information
Participates In
Doesn't Participate In
- Advanced or Fellowship Match of NRMP
- San Francisco Match
- Military Match
- Urology Match
U.S. MD Applicants
IMG Applicants
DO Applicants
Total required letters of recommendation (excludes MSPE and Dean's letter)
Required specialty-specific letters of evaluation within total letters of recommendation
- Letter from a department chair
- Letter(s) from someone within the specialty (e.g., faculty, attending)
Medical School Graduation Timeline
Graduation from medical school must have occurred within the past 2 year(s).
Gap Experience Requirement
PGY-1 applicants to this program with a gap of 1 year or more between medical school graduation and entry to residency must have the following experience occur during the gap: Research or other medical education pursuits (clinical experience not required)
Resident / Fellow Characteristics
Three year averages. Medical school type does not include graduates of Canadian schools.
Types of Graduates
Resident Gender
Program Faculty
Faculty Distribution
Work Environment
NA = Not Applicable
NGO = Negotiable
OTH = Other
Visa Status
This program will consider an appropriately qualified applicant with the following visa or visa status. Contact the program for additional information.
Program Size
Key Dates & Timelines
2026 - 2027
Application Due
Sep 26, 2025
Interview Period Starts
Oct 17, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
2027 - 2028
Application Due
Sep 25, 2026
Interview Period Starts
Oct 16, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Average PGY-1 Educational Environment
Employment Policies & Benefits
Educational Benefits
Tracks & Educational Features
Evaluations
Medical Insurance Coverage
--
- Major medical for residents
- Major medical for dependents
- Major medical for domestic partners
- Group life insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
Salary Compensation
PGY-1 through PGY-5
Salary paid by a non-profit institution.
Vacation & Sick Days
Residents receive 15 Vacation Days and 10 Sick Days annually to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
For more information, view the program's leave policy on their website.