Old Dominion University Program

The Old Dominion University Program in Surgery at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences offers a comprehensive five-year general surgery residency program designed to develop competent, independent surgeons. The program aligns with the highest standards to ensure residents receive extensive clinical and research training in various surgical disciplines.

The residency operates under the auspices of the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), which emphasizes collaborative education and community-oriented healthcare solutions. As part of EVMS, residents experience a blend of rigorous academic instruction and hands-on clinical exposure across multiple training sites, including core facilities such as Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, which serves as the primary site for residency education and is recognized as the region’s only Level I trauma center, handling thousands of emergency cases annually 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to equip residents with essential surgical skills and knowledge. The program includes a mix of didactic and practical training, focusing on ethics, critical thinking, collaborative care, and patient education 3. Training encompasses various subspecialty areas, ensuring residents emerge as well-rounded practitioners. Educational activities include:

• Weekly case presentations covering comprehensive surgical knowledge.
• Monthly multidisciplinary lectures by faculty.
• Simulation training at the Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning.
• Operational experience across several clinical sites, offering exposure to diverse patient populations and conditions.

Training Sites

Residents rotate through several leading healthcare facilities to gain diverse surgical experiences:

• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: As the primary training hospital, it provides extensive surgical services and trauma care, facilitating around 30,000 annual visits.
• Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters: This is Virginia’s only freestanding children’s hospital where residents participate in pediatric and neonatal surgery.
• Hampton Veterans Administration Medical Center: A teaching hospital offering a range of patient services including surgery, providing residents with surgical education primarily in endoscopy.
• Sentara Leigh Hospital: An acute care facility in Norfolk where residents manage private patients and perform basic and advanced surgical procedures.
• Sentara Princess Anne Hospital: A 160-bed facility where residents are involved primarily in vascular surgery rotations.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research that aligns with their surgical interests. A dedicated one- to two-year research experience is available for interested residents following their second year of training. This allows them to collaborate closely with faculty advisers, aiding in the submission of findings to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national forums 3.

Application Process

Application for the residency is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All international applicants must possess a J-1 visa and demonstrate prior clinical experience in the U.S. Required application materials include:

• Dean's letter.
• Transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• USMLE Step 1 score (Step 2 scores are preferred).
• A personal statement.

Candidates are generally notified if they are selected for an interview, which includes interactions with faculty and current residents 2.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The program is seen as competitive, welcoming diverse applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Successful applicants typically showcase strong academic records, robust clinical experiences, and stellar recommendations. For international medical graduates, J-1 visa sponsorship is offered, ensuring necessary support during residency training.

Support for Residents

Recognizing the challenges of residency, the program prioritizes resident wellness through various initiatives. This includes access to wellness resources, support groups, and leadership coaching tailored for surgery residents 1.