Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Program

Carilion Clinic - Virginia Tech Carilion General Surgery Residency offers a robust training program designed to produce general surgeons who are well-prepared to enter practice or pursue further fellowship training. The program focuses on graduate residents who exhibit the capability to perform a broad range of surgical procedures autonomously.

Program Structure

The program accommodates 5 categorical general surgery residents per year and includes 4 preliminary positions, along with 2 integrated plastics residents each at PGY 1-3. The environment fosters a sense of teamwork and collective growth among residents, often described as a "horizontal" program that diminishes hierarchy.1

Mission and Goals

The mission of the program is not only to graduate competent chief residents but also to ensure they are ready for independent surgical practice. With strong involvement in academic endeavors, the faculty members, who prioritize clinical practice, inspire residents to achieve their highest potential.1

Board Performance

The program boasts robust board pass rates with a 100% first-time pass rate on the qualifying exam over the last three years, while the certifying exam has shown an 83% pass rate in the same timeframe.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured over five years, with each year progressively building on the last:

• PGY1 Year: Introduction to the surgical service with foundational training, includes an Introduction to Research rotation aimed at starting a research project and performing basic surgical operations.4
• PGY2 Year: Residents act as junior residents, take on ICU responsibilities, and manage initial care for ER patients, all while advancing their operative skills with more complex cases.4
• PGY3 Year: Leadership opportunities become available, with residents leading Trauma, ICU, Pediatric, and Thoracic services under supervision. The level of surgical responsibility increases significantly during this year.4
• PGY4 Year: Residents assume a senior management role over services like Trauma and Vascular Services, enhancing their procedural roles and management skills.4
• PGY5 Year: The final year equips residents with advanced surgical decision-making skills relevant to Emergency General Surgery and elective surgeries, rounding out their training experience.4

Operative Experience

The program is known for providing substantial surgical exposure, with graduates averaging over 1,100 major operations, 250 as chief surgeon, and 70 as teaching assistant. These experiences exceed national averages, placing residents in positions to develop confidence and expertise.4

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component, with residents expected to complete at least one quality improvement project or research study before graduation. A dedicated research mentor aids residents in navigating study design, implementation, and manuscript preparation. Residents have the chance to present findings at conferences, including the annual Carilion Clinic Research Day.

Current Research Projects

Research areas include neurobiology, obesity, and trauma care, among others, often utilizing collaborative projects between residents and faculty.5

Unique Aspects

The program collaborates with Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, facilitating a rich learning environment that melds medical education with advanced research initiatives.1

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates. It typically sponsors J-1 visas and may also offer H-1B visa options depending on individual circumstances.4

Application Process

Applications are accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A strong emphasis is placed on USMLE scores, particularly requiring a 240 on Step 2 CK and around 220 on Step 1, alongside holistic review criteria, including personal interests and experiences.3

Interview Process

Eligible candidates will receive invitations for personal interviews, a crucial step before being listed with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). For categorical positions, a formal interview is required, while preliminary candidates can expect a phone interview as the main assessment.

Competitiveness and Applicant Diversity

The program attracts a diverse group of applicants, including DOM and IMG candidates, and emphasizes inclusivity within the selection process. The holistic review approach seeks applicants who exhibit versatility in interests and experiences, effectively contributing to the resident team.3