Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Program Overview

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program in Hand Surgery (Orthopaedic Surgery) offers a comprehensive five-year residency program designed to prepare physicians for successful careers in various orthopaedic specialties. Each year, the program accepts five new residents into its curriculum, which heavily focuses on both clinical experience and academic enrichment.

Clinical Experience

The residency provides a diverse clinical experience primarily based at VCU Health, which features 15 full-time faculty members specializing in all orthopaedic subspecialties. Residents also gain hands-on experience at affiliated sites such as Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. In addition, residents participate in private subspecialty clinics located at VCU Health at Stony Point and VCU Sports Medicine Center.

Rotations

The structure of the residency includes a variety of rotations aimed at providing a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge. During the first year (PGY-1), residents undertake 13 four-week rotations, which consist of six orthopaedic rotations and three rotations in other surgical specialties alongside geriatric medicine, musculoskeletal infectious disease, and musculoskeletal radiology.

From PGY-2 through PGY-5, residents engage in specific 10-week blocks, covering general orthopaedic services and subspecialties. Highlights include:

• PGY-1 Rotations: Two months at the Veterans Administration, three months at VCU Downtown Days, and various rotations through trauma surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and intensive care.
• PGY-2: General orthopaedics, Hand and Upper Extremity, Adult Reconstruction, Sports Medicine, and Night Float.
• PGY-3: Musculoskeletal Oncology, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Trauma, and more.
• PGY-4: Adults Reconstruction, Hand and Upper Extremity, Spine, and Foot & Ankle.
• PGY-5: Administrative Chief resident responsibilities along with advanced training in Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Oncology.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a critical role in the residency program. The curriculum mandates each resident to complete a minimum of two publishable research projects during their training period. These projects are encouraged to be presented at regional or national conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals, supported by department resources and mentorship.

Conferences and Educational Activities

Dedicated academic times are scheduled throughout the week, allowing residents to engage in various educational conferences:

• Fracture conference on Mondays
• Basic science conferences on Tuesdays
• Indications conferences on Thursdays
• Orthopaedic teaching conferences on Fridays
• Monthly Grand Rounds

These activities are designed to engage residents intellectually and keep them updated with current practices and research in orthopaedics.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with all necessary documentation due by the specified deadline. The selection process involves a comprehensive review of several components, including:

• USMLE scores
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Dean’s letter

Qualified applicants will be invited for interviews that also include an informal dinner, providing opportunities for candidates to interact with current residents and faculty.

Visa Support

The program is amenable to sponsoring visas for international medical graduates, with support typically extended for J-1 or H-1B visa types. Applicants needing visa sponsorship should clearly indicate this in their applications.

Competitiveness and Applicant Profiles

The Hand Surgery (Orthopaedic Surgery) program at VCU is considered competitive but is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including both DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program actively encourages applications from all qualified candidates.