Academics

FAQs for Neurosurgery Applicants

How do I apply for a military neurosurgery residency?
The first step is contacting your service-specific specialty leader. Each branch of the military has a consultant to the Surgeon General. These individuals are your points of contact for training and pursuing a career in neurosurgery. It is also HIGHLY recommended that you interview with the WRNMMC Neurosurgery Department. You can contact the NCC Neurosurgery Program Director to learn how.

Who can apply for residency at NCC?
Any active duty USU/HPSP student in good standing in either allopathic or osteopathic accredited medical schools.

How many neurosurgery residents train across the military per year?
The NCC has one position. There are other VA-sponsored programs at the University of Florida (1) and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (1). Full civilian deferments are given on a year-to-year basis depending on the needs of each service.

Do I have to visit and interview at NCC, Bethesda?
It is HIGHLY recommended that you rotate and interview at the NCC program. We are unique in that we are the only active duty military program. The core faculty at WRNMMC/NCC include senior Neurosurgeons within the Army and Navy, and may provide recommendations to train in VA-DoD sponsored programs and/or civilian programs (i.e. ERAS)

How many Residents does the NCC program take per year?
Currently, the NCC Program trains one resident per year and is service indiscriminate.

What makes the NCC unique?
The NCC training program is designed to train both a competent and technically proficient neurosurgeon and military officer. Our military-unique curriculum includes courses and didactics that are important during a military career. Each graduate is expected to be completely independent, reliable, and capable of providing excellent and efficient neurosurgical care in the most austere environments.

When does the ‘military match’ happen?
The results of the JSGMEB are published at midnight (0000) 15 December each year. This is earlier than the ‘civilian’ match which occurs in the third week of March each year.

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