The Prelim Playbook: Tips, Tricks, and Unspoken Rules for Success

In this episode, we explore the grueling realities of the general surgery preliminary year—a high-stakes, one-year audition for surgical trainees operating without a safety net. We sit down with a program director, a former IMG prelim turned attending, and a recently successful SOAP applicant to uncover exactly what it takes to survive the scramble and excel clinically. Listen in to learn actionable strategies for navigating hospital expectations, securing vital mentorship, and ultimately turning your preliminary position into a secured categorical spot. Hosts: Ayman Ali, MD Dr. Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-4 at Duke Hospital. Kevin Naresh Shah, MD Dr. Kevin Shah is an Assistant Professor of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and Program Director of General Surgery. Katharine Louise Jackson, MBBS Dr. Louise Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and the Medical Student Clerkship Director. Rafael Felix Tiongco, MD Dr. Rafael Tiongco is a first-year resident at Penn State College of Medicine. Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content. Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only ***Fellowship Application Link: Please visit to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more. If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: Download our App: Apple App Store: Android/Google Play:

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The Prelim Playbook: Tips, Tricks, and Unspoken Rules for Success is an episode from Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast.

This episode is 54:19 long.

This episode was published on Mar 26, 2026.

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