Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program in Orthopaedic Surgery is a comprehensive five-year residency program designed to prepare physicians for diverse careers in all areas of orthopaedic specialty. Each year, the program welcomes five new residents who will receive extensive training and mentorship from a team of 15 full-time faculty members representing all orthopaedic subspecialties.

Clinical Experience

Training primarily occurs at the VCU Medical Center, which serves as the main location for the residency experience. Residents also rotate through other facilities in the Richmond area, including Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as private subspecialty clinics at VCU Health at Stony Point and VCU Sports Medicine Center. A unique feature of this residency is the presence of a night float system that operates from Sunday through Thursday nights. Additionally, weekend calls are shared evenly among residents in years PGY-2 to PGY-5 with five call weekends scheduled every 12-week period. This structure promotes both clinical responsibility and extensive hands-on training.

Rotations

The PGY-1 year consists of 13 four-week rotations. Of these rotations, six are focused on orthopaedics, while the remaining rotations cover other surgical specialties, geriatric medicine, musculoskeletal infectious disease, and musculoskeletal radiology. The specific rotations include:

• Veterans Administration (2 months)
• VCU Downtown Days (3 months)
• VCU Downtown Nights (1 month)
• Trauma Surgery (1 month)
• Pediatric Surgery (1 month)
• Plastic Surgery (1 month)
• Surgery Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU) (1 month)
• Musculoskeletal Radiology (1 month)
• Geriatric Medicine (1 month)
• Musculoskeletal Infectious Disease (1 month)

From PGY-2 through PGY-5, residents participate in five 10-week blocks covering all orthopaedic subspecialties and general orthopaedic rotations. Notably, in the PGY-4 year, residents experience specialized rotations in Spine and Foot & Ankle, often serving as the sole resident on those services.

Conferences and Educational Activities

Educational conferences are integral to the residency program, providing structured academic time for residents. The weekly schedule includes:

• Fracture Conference (Mondays, 6:45-7:30 a.m.)
• Basic Science Conference (Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.)
• Indications Conference (Thursdays, 7-8 a.m.)
• Orthopedic Teaching Conference (Fridays, 7-10 a.m.)
• Grand Rounds (Second Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

Frequent cadaver and sawbone labs, anatomy and surgical exposure sessions, guest speakers, and other presentations further enhance the educational experience.

Research Opportunities

Research is a crucial component of the residency program, with residents expected to complete at least two publishable research projects during their five years. The program encourages exposure to various types of research including clinical, quality and safety, translational, and basic science research. Support is provided to facilitate this research, with the goal each resident's work being presented at regional or national meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, applicants must submit their materials through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required components include USMLE scores, transcripts, complimentary letters of recommendation, and a dean's letter. Each applicant's qualifications are evaluated to invite a select number of candidates for interviews, which include a formal introduction to the department and opportunities to meet both faculty and present residents.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship, including H-1B visas, making it accessible to international medical graduates (IMGs) and those requiring visa support. The residency program is competitive and is noted for being friendly towards both DO and IMG applicants.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The VCU Orthopaedic Surgery Residency emphasizes collaborative training while providing considerable individual attention and mentorship. The rich, diverse patient population at VCU Health and the breadth of clinical settings promise a comprehensive educational journey. Moreover, candidates from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the medical community.

Life in Richmond complements the residency, with the city offering a balanced lifestyle, a robust cultural scene, various outdoor activities, and a welcoming atmosphere for all who live and work there.