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Department of Surgery Department of Surgery
  1. Department of Surgery
  2. Divisions
  3. Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
  4. Education
  5. Traditional Fellowship
  6. Trainee Perks, Benefits, and Travel

Trainee Perks, Benefits, and Travel

Trainee Perks

San Diego, known as “America’s Finest City” is world renowned for its beautiful beaches and year-round temperate climate. The University and division both provide many benefits for UCSD trainees to make life in San Diego even more enjoyable. Please see below for a summary of benefits for trainees. For more information, please visit the Graduate Medical Education (GME) website.

Salary

  • Current annual salary for the 2024-2025 academic year is $102,230 for PGY-6 and $105,242 for PGY-7 More information can be found here.

Medical, Dental, and Retirement Benefits

  • UCSD covers all of the cost of medical, dental, vision and other insurance premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
  • In lieu of Social Security, a total of 7.5% of pre-tax pay is directed to the University of California’s Defined-Contribution Plan.
  • UCSD trainees are eligible to participate in voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans.

Stipends and Reimbursements

  • An annual education stipend of $750 is provided.
  • An annual housing stipend of $1000 is provided.
  • A Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license and number are provided free-of-charge.
  • The full cost of a state of California medical license is paid by the GME office. Renewal fees are also covered.
  • A monthly on-call meal allowance of $200 is provided.

Travel

  • Travel expenses to conferences at which trainees have had submissions accepted will be covered by the division

Vacation

  • A total of four weeks of vacation is provided.

Simulation Center

CT Surgery Trainee Benefits