The Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Residency Program at HCA Healthcare's LewisGale Hospital Montgomery is a one-year fellowship-like program designed for ACGME-certified residents to concentrate on osteopathic principles and practice (OPP). The program offers comprehensive training focused not only on osteopathic methods but also on the development of clinical competencies necessary for both inpatient and outpatient settings. This fully accredited ACGME Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM3) residency program aims to cultivate specialist physicians with the skills needed for proficient and professional practice in osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
The residency program seeks to foster a rich learning environment that emphasizes academic growth, teaching, and research. Residents are encouraged to engage in original research, collaborate with the faculty, and contribute to scholarly projects within the field 1.
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum includes intensive training in osteopathic techniques and principles. Training highlights involve:
- Focus on traditional osteopathy and its historical foundations.
- Development of palpation skills and core competencies in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
- Emphasis on teaching skills and research methodologies, supported by robust funding and logistical assistance.
- Hands-on training in areas such as sports medicine, geriatrics, and pediatrics, including specific pediatric OMT practices.
- 120+ hours of hands-on curriculum in musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnosis and injection procedures.
- Access to specialized courses, including annual cranial techniques and regenerative medicine.
The residents receive extensive didactic training through protected educational hours each week, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles as physician leaders 1.
Research Opportunities
Research is a key component of the residency program. The residents will engage in clinical research projects, receive support to participate in workshops, and present at various osteopathic conventions. The VCOM provides considerable funding for research initiatives and offers a structured environment for residents to develop their research skills, including mandatory completion of Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) modules for ethical research practices 1.
Rotations and Training Sites
Residents will participate in rotations in various musculoskeletal disciplines, with a focus on individualized training experiences. Required rotations encompass:
- Orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, podiatry, and sports medicine.
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, and radiology.
The program prioritizes flexibility, allowing residents to count previously completed musculoskeletal rotations towards their training in the ONMM3 year. The primary rotation sites are located in close proximity to the hospital, ensuring residents gain extensive real-world experience in their field 1.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and is friendly towards DO candidates. It offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. While the program is competitive, particularly for U.S. graduates, it actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, supporting IMGs and DOs as viable candidates for residency spots.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program prior to applying. There are no mandated rotations required for entry into the program; however, previous experiences in musculoskeletal rotations can enhance an applicant's competitiveness. The program encourages applicants to have strong backgrounds in OMT as well as to participate in relevant workshops and events 1.
Call Expectations
ONMM residents are required to take home calls, typically shared among them and sports medicine fellows. The call schedule is manageable, with an average of five to six calls throughout the year 1.
Faculty and Mentorship
The faculty consists of highly qualified professionals specializing in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative therapy. The faculty's active involvement in research and clinical practice ensures that residents receive mentorship tailored to their educational and career goals 1. Faculty members frequently engage in national and international presentations, fostering a culture of academic excellence.
Website
Director
Albert J Kozar, DOProgram Director, Professor of OMM, Discipline Sports Medicine Appointed Since September 2015Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$65,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
25%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Blacksburg, VA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Blacksburg, VA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Blacksburg, VA, is generally considered a safe area with a lower crime rate compared to national averages.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy a range of outdoor activities in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The town also offers cultural events, sports games, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Blacksburg experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall.
- Races and Population: Blacksburg has a diverse population with a mix of residents from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: The town is home to Virginia Tech, a prestigious university known for its research and academic programs. There are also good public and private schools in the area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Blacksburg is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being the primary contributor.
- Nearest Big Cities: Roanoke, VA, is the nearest major city to Blacksburg, located about 50 miles away (approximately 1-hour drive). Roanoke offers more urban amenities, entertainment options, and a larger airport.
- Pros: Beautiful natural surroundings, diverse community, access to higher education, and a relatively low crime rate.
- Cons: Slightly higher cost of living, limited public transportation options, and colder winter temperatures.
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