National Capital Consortium Program

The National Capital Consortium Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program offers a specialized training opportunity focused on developing expert vascular surgeons within the United States Department of Defense. Located in Bethesda, MD, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the program has a distinguished history, being one of the oldest vascular surgery fellowships in the nation, founded in 1966.

This two-year fellowship is designed for U.S. Military General Surgeons who have completed their prerequisite general surgery residency. It uniquely offers extensive training in various facets of clinical vascular surgery, including but not limited to, endovascular surgery, conventional open vascular surgery, diagnostic arteriography, and percutaneous catheter-based interventions. Training is complemented by rotations at Inova Fairfax Health System and the University of Virginia Medical Center to broaden the fellows' exposure and experience in the field of vascular surgery 1.

Program Mission, Vision, and Aims

The mission of the program is to develop and train technically proficient vascular surgeons who meet the needs of the military. The vision emphasizes the importance of producing leaders who not only provide exceptional care to military personnel and their families but are also instrumental in shaping the future of military vascular surgery 1.

The program aims to ensure that all trainees achieve the following:

• Become highly skilled surgeons familiar with all areas of vascular surgery.
• Understand the specific vascular surgical needs within the military context.
• Develop a commitment to continuous education and improvement in surgical practices.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum mandates that academic activities take place every Wednesday morning, where fellows will engage in morbidity and mortality conferences, didactic sessions, and case discussions. Although the program does not offer elective rotations, fellows will benefit from a structured schedule promoting in-depth learning 1.

At each training site, fellows are typically on call for one weekend every three weeks, affording them ample time for rest and recovery. Additionally, there are opportunities for participation in national meetings such as the Society of Vascular Surgery meeting and the Moore Course, instrumental in enhancing their educational experience 1.

Research and Development Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives throughout their training. The program provides access to a basic science and translational lab at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) where fellows can pursue research independently or under mentorship. Fellows are expected to produce peer-reviewed papers and contribute book chapters during their fellowship, fostering a solid foundation in academic medicine alongside their clinical training 1.

Teaching Responsibilities

Education is a key component of the fellowship. Fellows will have the responsibility of supervising and teaching general surgery residents at all training locations daily. This teaching component plays a crucial role in strengthening their pedagogical skills and deepening their understanding of vascular surgery 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program can sponsor visas for eligible international medical graduates, primarily focusing on J-1 visas. It remains competitive, catering primarily to U.S. military personnel, although there is recognition of DO and IMG applicants who demonstrate exceptional capabilities and qualifications 1.

Application Requirements

While specific requirements may vary, candidates should be aware that prior completion of a general surgery residency is mandatory. The program typically does not impose strict limits on the year of graduation or the number of STEP exams attempted, fostering an inclusive environment for dedicated applicants seeking to advance their careers in vascular surgery 1.