HCA Healthcare LewisGale Hospital-Montgomery/VCOM Program

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.