Program Director's Welcome

Welcome to the General Surgery Residency, University of Missouri–Kansas City 

Welcome to the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) General Surgery Residency Program. Thank you for your interest in our comprehensive and rigorous training program designed to develop skilled, confident, and compassionate surgeons prepared for a successful career in either independent practice or competitive fellowship training.

At UMKC, our mission is to cultivate technically proficient and intellectually well-rounded general surgeons. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse and robust clinical experience through rotations at multiple, high-volume training sites, including University Health Kansas City, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Kansas City VA Medical Center, University Health Lakewood, and Children’s Mercy Hospital. These distinct training environments allow residents to care for a diverse group of patients, spanning a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. This broad exposure enhances cultural competency and ensures residents are prepared to meet the needs of any community they serve.

A distinctive strength of our program is our advanced training in robotic-assisted surgery. Residents receive hands-on experience and progressive autonomy in minimally invasive and robotic procedures, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of modern surgical practice. Our faculty are committed to mentoring residents in both technical excellence and critical decision-making. Equally important, our Level I Trauma Center provides robust exposure to high-acuity surgical emergencies, ensuring that residents graduate with strong open surgical skills—an essential foundation for both general surgical practice and fellowship training.

We are deeply committed to resident wellness, understanding that the path to becoming a surgeon is demanding and requires balance, support, and community. Our program fosters a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and camaraderie. We offer structured wellness initiatives, mentorship programs, and dedicated support resources to help our residents thrive both personally and professionally.

At UMKC, we also place a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that excellence in surgical training is strengthened by diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. Our program values the unique backgrounds and experiences of each resident, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where every individual feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We invite you to explore what makes our program exceptional and look forward to welcoming the next generation of surgical leaders to our UMKC community.

Warm regards,

Heather Klepacz, MD, FACS, MBA
Program Director, General Surgery Residency
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine