Our “Training the Rural Surgeon” miniseries begins with Dr. Randy Lehman joined by medical student Jacob Steffen, Dr. Mel Johnson from Gundersen, and Dr. Lauren Dudas from WVU to examine how residency programs prepare surgeons for broad scope rural practice. The discussion covers operative volume, subspecialty exposure, rural rotations, and why some programs intentionally train residents in urology, ENT, OBGYN, and critical access environments where specialist backup may not exist.They also discuss signaling, mentorship, interview strategy, and the qualities program directors consistently look for in future rural surgeons.For students considering rural surgery, this episode offers a practical look at how different programs approach autonomy, breadth, and long term preparation for rural practice.0:00 Intro05:01 Broad Scope Rural Surgery with Dr. Mel Johnson11:14 Applicant Fit and Program Mission17:11 Research and Rural Surgery Mentorship23:50 Surgical Case Volume29:05 Finding Rural Surgery Programs32:17 Rural Surgery Training at WVU with Dr. Lauren Dudas41:40 Grit and Independent Learning46:39 Resident Case Mix49:21 Program Resources Resources Mentioned:Gundersen Foundation General Surgery Residency Program:https://gundersenhealth.orgWVU General Surgery Residency Program:https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/surgeryWVU Surgery Instagram:https://instagram.com/wvusurgeryNorth American Rural Surgical Society:https://ruralsurgery.orgAmerican College of Surgeons Rural Surgery Advisory Council:

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