1. Undergraduate Education (Bachelor's Degree): You'll need a bachelor's degree, but the major isn't specified. Many pre-med students major in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, but it's not a requirement. The focus is on achieving a strong GPA and excelling in prerequisite science courses needed for medical school applications. Any accredited college or university can provide this foundation.
2. Medical School (Doctor of Medicine - MD or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine - DO): This is where the path to surgery begins. You must apply and be accepted into a medical school, which are affiliated with universities. There are many medical schools across the country (and the world). Acceptance is extremely competitive. Examples of universities with highly ranked medical schools include:
* Harvard Medical School
* Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
* University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
* Stanford University School of Medicine
* University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
* Yale School of Medicine
* Mayo Medical School
* University of Michigan Medical School
* ...and many, many others. A simple web search for "US medical schools" will give you a comprehensive list.
3. Surgical Residency: After medical school (typically 4 years), you'll need to complete a surgical residency program. These programs are highly competitive and typically last 5-7 years depending on the surgical specialty. Residency programs are also affiliated with universities and hospitals. The same institutions mentioned above often have excellent surgical residency programs.
4. Fellowship (Optional but common): Many surgeons pursue fellowships after their residency to specialize further within surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery). Fellowships typically last 1-2 years.
In short, you don't apply to "a college for surgeons." You apply to an undergraduate program to gain the pre-requisites for medical school, then apply to medical school, then apply for a surgical residency, and potentially a fellowship. Many universities with strong medical schools offer the entire path.