About Us

General Surgery Physician Assistant (GSPA) Residency Program

Main (Program Overview/Mission/Vision/Aims)

The General Surgery Physician Assistant (GSPA) Residency is a tri-service 18 month program that incorporates a variety of clinical rotations, formal didactic instruction, and research through Baylor University and San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium/SAUSHEC. The residency prepares the GSPA to evaluate, diagnose, and assist in surgical procedures in order to save lives and be leaders in the Physician Assistant and Medical Community. Upon completion of the residency, the GSPA will receive a Doctorate of Science (DSc) through Baylor University and then are sent all over the world to support global missions.

Curriculum/Rotations/Locations/Partnering Institutions

During the 18 month program, the GSPA residents complete 18 clinical rotations to include general surgery, trauma surgery, ICU and multiple sub specialties. The GSPA residents also complete didactic learning as well as complete a research based doctoral thesis. The program consists of approximately 4,000 clinical training hours, approximately 800 hours of classroom instruction, lectures, substantial reading assignments, oral presentations, monthly end of rotation exams (written and oral), bi-monthly high and low fidelity SIM, monthly procedure labs, monthly journal clubs, and a research requirement. The tri-service GSPA Program has partnered with Baylor University and San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium/SAUSHEC and upon completion the residents received a Doctorate of Science (DSc).

Military Relevance (military relevance of specialty/how program prepares trainees to be ready for military mission & first assignment)

Upon graduation the General Surgery PA’s have served all across the globe supporting service members and their families. Currently there are GSPA’s serving across America, Asia, and Europe. GSPA’s have also deployed in support of armed conflicts and supported those in need during humanitarian missions. The GSPA residency prepares the PA’s to be ready to serve in a multitude of different departments and locations.

Application Instructions (Eligibility/Interview Process/Program Application Details)

Candidates for admission must hold a Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies and be currently on active-duty as a member of the U.S. Military. Applicants must meet all service specific requirements prior to beginning the program. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 and obtain a score on the GRE general exam that is predictive of successful completion of the program. Candidates must also meet the entrance requirements of the Graduate School of Baylor University. Uniformed-services candidates will be selected by a competitive board process by their respective uniformed service.

Contact Us

U.S. Army Graduate Education Manager

210-221-7000 office
3599 Winfield Scott Road
JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6138

U.S. Army/ Air Force-Baylor GSPA Residency Directors

Army Point of Contact:
210-916-1457 office
3551 Roger Brooke Dr.
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

Air Force Point of Contact:
210-916-6358 office
3551 Roger Brooke Dr.
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

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