Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Neurosurgery residency program at Virginia Commonwealth University is a competitive, seven-year program designed to provide residents with the necessary skills and experience to become successful neurosurgeons. Residents can expect progressive clinical responsibilities across various subspecialties such as functional neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, nerve repair, endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery, neurotrauma, and neurocritical care. The curriculum is competency-based, with residents averaging eight to 10 major operative cases per day, tailored to their developing skills.

Residents have unique learning opportunities like participating in a pediatric neurosurgical mission trip to developing countries and pursuing an individualized learning plan for a Ph.D. during residency. The department offers three fellowships in endovascular neurosurgery, stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, and spinal neurosurgery.

The residency program also includes a structured conference schedule covering various neurosurgical topics. Residents are provided competitive salaries and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, vacation time, and confidential stress counseling resources. Life in Richmond offers a vibrant city with a small-town feel, with abundant cultural and outdoor activities.

Medical students interested in applying to the program are encouraged to engage early in neurosurgery activities, attend clinical rotations and didactic conferences, plan for research projects, and seek faculty recommendations. The program participates in the NRMP, and international applicants need to fulfill specific requirements for eligibility.

The program's alumni have excelled in varied neurosurgical research areas, showcasing a strong emphasis on academic and clinical excellence. The residents in the program possess diverse educational backgrounds and research interests, contributing to a dynamic learning environment within the neurosurgery department at VCU.

For further details, interested applicants can visit the official website of the VCU Department of Neurosurgery.