In this episode, we explore the grueling realities of the general surgery preliminary year—a high-stakes, one-year audition for surgical trainees operating without a safety net. We sit down with a program director, a former IMG prelim turned attending, and a recently successful SOAP applicant to uncover exactly what it takes to survive the scramble and excel clinically. Listen in to learn actionable strategies for navigating hospital expectations, securing vital mentorship, and ultimately turning your preliminary position into a secured categorical spot.

Hosts:

Ayman Ali, MD
Dr. Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-4 at Duke Hospital.

Kevin Naresh Shah, MD
Dr. Kevin Shah is an Assistant Professor of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and Program Director of General Surgery.

Katharine Louise Jackson, MBBS
Dr. Louise Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and the Medical Student Clerkship Director.

Rafael Felix Tiongco, MD
Dr. Rafael Tiongco is a first-year resident at Penn State College of Medicine.

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The Prelim Playbook: Tips, Tricks, and Unspoken Rules for Success