Duke University Hospital Program

The Duke Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program is designed to ensure comprehensive training in both open surgical techniques and endovascular interventions. This program focuses on various diagnostic modalities including MR, CT, ultrasound, and peripheral vascular studies. The residency is structurally divided into 18 months of essential surgical core rotations followed by 42 months dedicated to Vascular Surgery services.

The initial three years contain core rotations, while the final two years involve functioning in a chief capacity within the Vascular Surgery service. A distinctive aspect of this residency is the integration of research experience, where residents will allocate two years to pursue research in basic science or clinical outcomes between their second and third years. This program, which is among the newest in the nation, is grounded in a rich legacy of educational excellence within the Duke Department of Surgery, equipping graduates for successful careers in both academic and private practice settings 1.

Clinical Exposure and Volume

The program prides itself on providing exposure to a robust volume of surgical cases in all aspects of modern vascular surgical practices. This includes complex procedures such as open aortic reconstruction, branched aortic endografting, carotid endarterectomy with stenting, and intricate limb salvage cases. Residents benefit from a clinical environment that emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also thoughtful patient management. The senior residents have significant autonomy, managing services at the VA Medical Center and Duke University Hospital, enabling them to surpass the required number of cases in all surgical categories 1.

Training Sites

Training is conducted across seven clinical sites, each contributing to the broad scope of vascular surgery practice. Key sites include:

• Duke University Hospital: A large tertiary referral level-1 trauma center dealing with myriad complex cases.
• The Durham VA Medical Center: Offers hands-on experience with traditional open procedures and advanced atherosclerotic disease.
• Duke Regional Hospital: Focuses on routine limb salvage and cerebrovascular cases.
• Duke Raleigh Hospital: A mid-sized community hospital setting that provides exposure to private practice scenarios.

Each site supports a diverse clinical experience, allowing for depth in both open and endovascular surgical techniques 6.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on scholarly achievements, expecting residents to complete two years of research, ensuring a solid foundation for future academic careers. Throughout these years, residents undergo mentoring that assists them in the grant-writing process and secure funding for their research endeavors. Participation in both basic science and clinical research is substantially encouraged, along with exposure to national and regional meetings 8.

Application Process

Entry into the program can be competitive and requires a strong academic background. The selection process calls for applicants to have demonstrated academic excellence in an accredited medical school, with a successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. It is imperative for prospective residents to submit their applications through the National Resident Matching Program and secure an interview, which serves as a critical part of the admission process. Applications must be submitted before the designated ERAS deadline 4.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides support for visa applications, including J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. This enables qualified candidates from outside the United States to apply without the burden of navigating visa issues independently, fostering a diverse cohort of residents 1.

Resident Experience

Life in Durham complements the rigorous training regimen. The area is characterized by a blend of urban and suburban advantages, offering a friendly environment, ample recreational activities, and affordable living costs. This lifestyle contributes significantly to the overall resident experience, balancing the demands of training with a fulfilling personal life 9.