All osteopathic physicians must be trained to understand surgical diseases as presented in a clinical setting. They must master pre- and postoperative assessment of patients so they can function in any medical setting as an important and integral part of the patient care team.

The members of the surgery department are committed to CCOM's precepts of teaching, healing, and serving. The academic mission of the department is to provide each student with both didactic and clinical training in the surgical arts. The members of the department provide comprehensive surgical care for the patients throughout CCOM's affiliated clinical facilities. The members of the department serve as mentors for all medical students in addition to identifying and supporting those who have the ability and interest to become osteopathic surgeons.