Old Dominion University Program

The Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University provides an exceptional program designed to develop skilled vascular surgeons. The five-year residency encompasses comprehensive training that prepares graduates for board certification in vascular surgery, emphasizing ethical surgical practice, management of surgical disorders, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum consists of a total of 60 months, incorporating 21 months of core surgical rotations followed by 39 months dedicated to vascular surgery services. This structure ensures residents gain substantial exposure to a variety of cases, including both routine and complex endovascular and open surgical procedures.

Residents are trained to diagnose and treat a range of vascular conditions, mastering essential techniques in both non-invasive and invasive procedures, from comprehensive vascular diagnostics to advanced endovascular interventions. By the end of the training, residents are expected to be fully competent in open vascular surgery, vascular patient management, and critical care in vascular surgery settings.

Training Sites

The program primarily operates at several esteemed hospitals in Norfolk, Virginia, including:

• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: This facility serves as a Level I trauma center with a strong focus on cardiac care and advanced trauma services. Residents engage in a breadth of surgical experiences as they progress through their training.
• Sentara CarePlex Hospital: Known for its acute care services and recognized as a Certified Primary Stroke Center, this site provides residents with chief-level responsibilities during a four-month rotation.
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital: Hosting the region's only Level III trauma center, this hospital provides specialized services and a robust environment for vascular training.
• Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters: This full-service pediatric facility offers unique training opportunities in pediatric vascular surgery.
• Sentara Leigh Hospital: This acute care hospital specializes in various surgical services, further enhancing the residents’ clinical exposure.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The program is designed to admit two residents each year. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic background, clinical experience, and commitment to the field. Candidates must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and submit the required documents, including Dean's letter, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores, with an emphasis on Step 2 performance. International applicants must have J-1 visas and previous U.S. clinical experience.

Given the competitive nature of this residency, potential applicants are encouraged to establish connections within the program through elective opportunities and visits.

Visa Support

The Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency at Old Dominion University sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates interested in participating in the program. This support facilitates the application and residency training process for international applicants, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Stipend and Benefits

The program provides competitive stipends that are assessed annually. The current stipend structure is as follows: PGY-1 receives $54,689, PGY-2 $56,197, PGY-3 $57,702, PGY-4 $59,207, and PGY-5 $60,715. Residents benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan at no cost for the lowest premium option, with additional options available for family members at their expense.

Additional benefits include dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability options, professional liability coverage, short-term disability insurance, and opportunities to enroll in retirement plans.

Support and Wellness Programs

The residency program places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its residents. The Wellness Works program provides residents access to support groups, counseling services, and wellness resources typical for faculty and staff. An additional Resident Wellness program ensures that residents maintain a healthy work-life balance throughout their training years.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is distinguished by its focus on both clinical excellence and research opportunities. Integration with Old Dominion University enhances logistical and academic support, thereby fostering a collaborative environment for addressing healthcare disparities through innovative research.