Representing one of the largest medical specialties, the Department of Surgery is heavily involved in student education.

Each clinical division, encompassing the entire spectrum of surgical care, offers electives, teaching and research.

The Division of Surgical Education has goals including development and implementation of innovative, state-of-the-art educational methodologies, enhancement of educational research and establishment of Fellowships in Surgical Education for faculty and residents. The division is participating in many national educational activities, such as the Computer-Based Examination of the National Board of Medical Examiners. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) have been used to test the clinical skills of students and residents. The division participated in a multi-institutional project for development of a model for teaching in an ambulatory environment. Newer trends in medical education as well as innovative methods of teaching and evaluation are routinely used in the education of students. These methods include computer-based simulations to teach problem-solving, use of standardized patients, problem-based learning, small-group teaching, and a program in surgical decision-making.