Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth) Program

Overview of the General Surgery Residency Program

The General Surgery Residency Program at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is designed as a five-year ACGME-accredited training program. Its mission is to prepare residents to deliver exceptional surgical care to Department of Defense beneficiaries under various circumstances, including deployments and austere environments. The program nurtures Navy General Surgeons who are self-reliant and adaptable, exposing them to situations beyond typical civilian training experiences.

Curriculum Structure

The educational curriculum emphasizes cognitive expertise and procedural skills development through various learning modalities. These include experiential clinical training, interactive lectures, small group discussions, high-fidelity simulations, cadaveric labs, and internet-based education. A significant aspect of the program is its focus on professional development, incorporating a leadership curriculum aimed at producing well-rounded medical leaders.

Program Length and Training Structure

The residency comprises a 12-month internship followed by 48 months of residency training, totaling five years. The program accommodates a total complement of 24 residents, accepting three residents per year. Moreover, for those interested in research, a dedicated research year is available upon prior approval.

Clinical Rotations and Experience

During the initial year of training, interns participate in rotations across various surgical services. These provide a comprehensive introduction to surgical practice as they perform preoperative and postoperative care. Interns are expected to average between 75 to 100 cases as primary surgeons or first assistants, while chief residents can expect around nine to twelve hundred cases over the training period. Additional rotations at partner institutions enhance diversity in clinical experiences.

Educational Activities

Academic learning is facilitated through a protected day dedicated to didactics each week, including morbidity and mortality conferences, grand rounds, and small group sessions focused on surgical science. The integration of simulation labs for both basic and advanced procedures is also vital to achieving procedural competency.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is recognized as highly competitive, welcoming all qualified applicants including DOs and IMGs. Applicants must have graduated from medical school and, if applying for PGY2, they must have completed an ACGME-accredited PGY1 program. There are no categorical years required for the specialty.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international candidates and can sponsor J-1 visas. This facilitates the admission process for international medical graduates who seek training opportunities within the program.

Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities

Residents are actively involved in teaching medical students and peers, and the program features a formal mentorship system. Each intern is assigned a mentor to help navigate the complexities of residency, reinforcing personal development and professional growth.

Well-Being Initiatives

The health and wellness of residents is a priority for the program. Residents benefit from structured resident life days, ensuring they have time to focus on personal well-being and engage in team-building activities. Access to confidential peer counseling and mental health resources is also readily available.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are encouraged to participate in research, with opportunities for publication and presentations at regional and national levels. A dedicated research year allows for exploration of interests in clinical or basic science research, bolstered by faculty mentorship.

Participating Sites

In addition to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, residents rotate through esteemed locations such as Riverside Regional Medical Center, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and the University of Virginia. These rotations significantly expand the clinical exposure and skill set available to residents during their training.

Application Process and Interviews

The application process requires interested candidates to complete a rotation, if possible, to assess their fit within the program. Virtual interviews are conducted to maintain equality and fairness in the evaluation process.