Old Dominion University Program

The Emergency Medical Services Fellowship at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University aims to develop the necessary skills and abilities to provide critical emergency care while also preparing fellows to lead effective pre-hospital care programs. The fellowship encompasses a comprehensive training curriculum that integrates clinical experience with critical operations in emergency medical services.

Curriculum

The fellowship's curriculum follows a block-based educational model. Each block is designed to focus on particular aspects of emergency medical services, incorporating dynamic lectures, practical simulations, and comprehensive training sessions. Key training areas include ground-based EMS care, tactical medical operations, air medical operations, search and rescue, and disaster response. Each fellow is expected to complete the necessary training requirements for on-site medical direction, including an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC).

To ensure depth of knowledge, fellows assess their learning through a yearly EMS in-service exam and are required to complete two simulation-based assessments. By the conclusion of the program, fellows will be equipped to take the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) EMS board certification examination, solidifying their competencies in multiple domains of emergency medical practice and research¹.

Training Sites

The fellowship offers robust clinical exposure through partnerships with various local EMS agencies. Fellows experience rotations with multiple rescue squads, including:

• Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team
• Norfolk Fire-Rescue
• Portsmouth Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services
• Sentara Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance
• Urban Search & Rescue Task Force (VA-TF2)
• Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services

Fellows conduct clinical shifts in the Emergency Departments across the Sentara system, particularly at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, which houses the region’s only Level I trauma center and top-tier heart program. This exposure allows fellows to engage in diverse emergency medical scenarios while honing their practical skills¹.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to pursue their research interests and contribute to the medical community through educational efforts, including teaching evidence-based emergency medicine to learners at various levels. Regular participation in regional and national conferences supports this commitment and allows fellows to share insights and updates in vanishing operational practices¹.

Benefits and Support

The fellowship offers competitive stipends and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. A supportive framework is in place to facilitate work-life balance, including access to wellness services, mentorship programs, and recreational activities. Fellows receive time off that includes three weeks for vacation and additional sick leave¹.

Application Process

Interested applicants must fulfill specific eligibility criteria, including being licensed to practice medicine in Virginia and having graduated from an ACGME-accredited emergency medicine residency program. The application process typically opens on July 1 and closes on August 15, and includes submission of a letter of interest, current CV, and three letters of recommendation. At least one of the recommendations must come from the Program Director².

In addition to traditional applicants, the program is receptive to those from diverse educational backgrounds, including DO and IMGs, which may enhance applications.

Visa Support

The program supports international fellows and can provide sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating candidates from various countries. Eligibility for visa sponsorship is dependent on meeting the application criteria laid out by the program².

Competitiveness

The Emergency Medical Services Fellowship is recognized as a competitive program, welcoming applications from various educational backgrounds, including US allopathic and osteopathic schools. The fellowship is fully accredited by the ACGME and selects one fellow each academic year, which underscores its competitive nature. The selection is facilitated through the NRMP Emergency Medicine Fellowship Match process, indicating the high demand and rigorous standards maintained by the fellowship³.