University of Pennsylvania Health System
The University of Pennsylvania Health System Neurological Surgery residency in Philadelphia, PA is listed by AAMC with ERAS status “Participating” for the 2027 cycle. Use the official program page for curriculum, training sites, eligibility, and current contacts.
About the program
Seven-year Penn neurosurgery residency. Year 1 is 6 months of neurosurgery, 3 months of neurocritical care, 1 month of clinical neurosciences and 1 month of trauma, followed by junior rotations at HUP, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian and CHOP, a 12-month protected research year in PGY-5 and chief years at HUP and Pennsylvania Hospital.
Summarized from the program’s official website. Confirm details with the program.
Program highlights
- Weekly lectures cover the full range of neurosurgery with residents excused from duties; residents have 24/7 access to a dedicated neurosurgical dissection laboratory.
- Up to 8 more months of elective time in year 6 can be used for research; residents have won NIH F32, NREF and industry grants, and enfolded fellowships in endovascular, functional, peripheral nerve and spine surgery are available.
- Senior residents can rotate to Wellington, New Zealand, and applications go through ERAS and the NRMP, reviewed in the early fall.
PGY salaries
PGY salaries have not been verified for this program.
Sources and verification
Research last checked October 30, 2026. Missing information is not an estimate.
- Contact page (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Contact email (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Program length (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Summary (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Program coordinator (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Program director (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Highlights (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
- Official program website (verified, 2026-10-30): Stated on the official program pages listed. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8
Program leadership and contact
- Program director
- H. Isaac Chen, MD
- Program coordinator
- Susan Small
Program and application links
Review the official program page for training sites, curriculum, eligibility, required documents, deadlines, interview policy, visa sponsorship, and current openings.
About Neurological Surgery residency training
Neurological Surgery residency training typically lasts 7 years.
Among the longest residencies; most applicants have substantial neurosurgery exposure and research before applying.
This specialty has historically been among the more competitive in the Match. The NRMP’s Charting Outcomes in the Match reports show current applicant and match statistics by specialty.
General information about the specialty, not a statement about this program. Confirm details with the program.
How to apply to this residency
- Register with ERAS, the application service of the AAMC, and with the NRMP Main Residency Match.
- Apply to this program through ERAS during the application season, with the documents it asks for.
- If you interview here, rank the program on your NRMP rank order list by the deadline; Match results are released in March.
Deadlines, required documents, interview policy and visa sponsorship differ between programs and years. The program’s own website is the authority.
Prepare your application
- The NRMP Residency Match, explained
- Residency interview preparation: a four-week plan and question bank
- Residency interview strategies for USMLE candidates
- How to create a resume or CV for residency
- The Dean's letter (MSPE): what it is and how to get it from your medical school
- After the interview: highlight your strengths and send thank-you letters
- NRMP ranking algorithm & rank-list strategy
- Save money on USMLE and interview travel
- Study books by exam
- International medical graduates: ECFMG and visas
Questions to ask this program
Strong applicants use the interview to learn how a program trains its residents. Questions worth asking:
- How much autonomy do residents have at each training level, and how is supervision handled?
- Where do graduates go next: practice, fellowship or academic positions? Ask for recent examples.
- What are the call and night-float schedules, and how many hours do residents typically work?
- How are residents supported in preparing for board exams, and what is the program’s recent pass rate?
- What research, quality improvement or teaching opportunities are protected with time?
- What benefits, parental leave and wellness support does the program provide?
Compare nearby options
Other programs at University of Pennsylvania Health System
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Frequently asked questions
How do I apply to the University of Pennsylvania Health System Neurological Surgery residency?
This directory lists the program in the NRMP Main Residency Match. Use the program and application links on this page for the current instructions, deadlines and required documents.
How long is the University of Pennsylvania Health System Neurological Surgery residency?
The program length recorded for this entry is 7 years. Confirm it with the program.
How many positions does the University of Pennsylvania Health System Neurological Surgery residency offer?
The number of positions is not recorded here. Ask the program or check the match service’s program listing for the current cycle.
What does the University of Pennsylvania Health System Neurological Surgery residency pay?
Salaries have not been verified for this program. Many institutions publish a resident and fellow salary schedule on their graduate medical education office page.