Introduction

    The great Pacific Northwest serves as the setting for one of the nations more prestigious programs. A fully accredited ACGME training program, Madigan is a 6-year residency (with an additional year of research required between the 2^nd and 3^rd year) that offers the broadest possible educational background for its residents.  The Madigan experience has prepared residents for a wide variety of career opportunities ranging from civilian private practice, to university chief and training director, to military career and hospital commander.  Our graduates are extremely competitive in the arenas of civilian and military postgraduate fellowships.  The main focus of the training program is to generate a well balanced general surgeon who is prepared for his American Board of Surgery Exam; and who will have the freedom (based on his training) to decide what avenue to follow after his board certification.  To date there are no Madigan graduates who have not passed the qualifying and certifying examinations.