General Surgery Residency Programme(MMed/FCS-ECSA)

This Residency Program introduces several innovations; it is designed to build upon the existing curricular requirements for General Surgery in Rwanda and COSECSA region. The graduates will complete all the same learning objectives as a graduate of any other residency program in the region.  

The residency program is structured in two distinct phases to ensure progressive acquisition of surgical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies in Rwanda and across the COSECSA region. It is competency-based, regionally harmonized, and designed to address surgical workforce needs in the country and beyond. 

MCS Phase (Years 1–2): Core Training & Foundations

• Purpose: Build the fundamental knowledge and skills for safe, generalist surgical practice under COSECSA standards.

• Clinical focus: Diagnosis and management of common surgical conditions and emergencies; peri-operative care and ward management; supervised participation in theatre lists.

• Skills development: History-taking, examination, imaging/lab interpretation, pre-op optimization, basic operative techniques (minor procedures and selected majors under close supervision), post-op care, infection prevention, fluid and pain management.

• Progressive responsibility: Participate in ward rounds and emergency admissions, take supervised on-call, present cases and morbidity & mortality reviews.

• Assessment: Documented logbook and workplace-based assessments preparing for the COSECSA Membership (MCS) examination.

FCS Phase (Years 3–5): Advanced Training & Dissertation

• Purpose: Build advanced competence for independent general surgical practice under COSECSA standards.

• Clinical scope: Gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, colorectal, breast, endocrine, and emergency surgery; hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction; basic plastic & reconstructive, urology, basic vascular access procedures; selected thoracic (e.g., chest drainage, thoracotomy).

• Progressive responsibility: Perform major index procedures under supervision, lead ward rounds, manage surgical teams, and take senior on-call roles.

• Research requirement: Design and complete a supervised research project and dissertation, submitted and orally defended as part of the final examination.

• The candidate should hold a basic medical education degree (MD, MBBS, MBChB) 

• The candidate must be a registered practitioner by the Ministry of Health of Rwanda with an active license to practice. 

• Foreign applicants must hold a basic medical education degree (MD, MBBS, MBChB) and must produce their professional license and a letter of good standing from their local accreditation body. 

• Applicants must be in acceptable physical and mental health without any serious health conditions that would limit the ability to cope with the requirements of the training program and service.  

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged and given special consideration. 

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the application form link: 

• • • Demographic and educational information (including Bachelor’s degree transcript and certificate), 
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV),  
    • Medical License to Practice, 
    • Letter of Good Conduct, 
    • Two letters of recommendation,  
    • A brief motivation letter outlining their educational and professional goals. 

All applications will be reviewed by UGHE’s Office of Admissions, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete an admissions examination and interview administered by UGHE. 

Please be mindful of the following dates.