Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Orthopaedic Trauma Residency Program at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System is designed to equip medical professionals with comprehensive training across a variety of orthopaedic specialties. With a structured five-year curriculum, this program immerses residents in both clinical and surgical experiences essential for future leaders in orthopaedics.

Clinical Experience
Each year, the program welcomes five new residents. Core rotations are primarily conducted at VCU Health, which provides the infrastructure for teaching and clinical practice, supported by 15 full-time faculty members experienced in all subspecialties. In addition to VCU Health, residents gain exposure at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, allowing for a diverse educational experience. Private subspecialty clinics augment clinical training, situated within VCU Health at Stony Point and the VCU Sports Medicine Center.

Residents participate in a night float system from Sunday through Thursday, along with weekend on-call assignments that are equitably distributed among residents from PGY-2 to PGY-5. A rigorous set of anatomy and surgical exposure labs, often featuring fresh cadaver and sawbone labs, provides hands-on experience in various subspecialties throughout the training period.

Conferences and Academic Activities
All conferences are categorized as dedicated academic time, providing residents an opportunity to engage in critical learning and professional development. The conference timetable includes:
- Mondays, 6:45-7:30 a.m.: Fracture conference
- Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.: Basic science conference for PGY-1 and PGY-2
- Thursdays, 7-8 a.m.: Indications conference for each rotation
- Fridays, 7-10 a.m.: Orthopaedic teaching conference with faculty-led lectures
- Second Thursday each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Grand rounds.

Rotations Structure
The PGY-1 year encompasses 13 four-week rotations, including six rotations specifically in orthopaedics, three in surgical specialties, and additional rotations focusing on geriatric medicine, musculoskeletal infectious disease, and musculoskeletal radiology. PGY-2 through PGY-5 residents engage in five 10-week blocks that provide direct exposure to all orthopaedic subspecialties. Examples of rotations include:
- PGY-1 year: General orthopaedics, trauma surgery, pediatric surgery, and emergency care.
- PGY-2: Focus on general orthopaedics, hand and upper extremity, adult reconstruction, and sports medicine.
- PGY-3: Concentration on musculoskeletal oncology, pediatric orthopaedics, and orthopaedic trauma.

Research Opportunities
Research plays a crucial role in the residency experience at VCU Health. Residents are mandated to produce a minimum of two publishable projects during their five years, with opportunities across various research domains, including clinical, translational, and quality/safety research. Support and mentorship are readily available, ensuring that residents can present their work at regional and national meetings.

Application Process
The Orthopaedic Trauma residency program operates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants are required to submit their USMLE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a Dean’s letter by the submission deadline. The selection committee emphasizes each applicant’s scores and overall qualifications, leading to selected candidates being invited for interviews. These interviews often include an informal dinner, morning introductions, and several interviews with faculty, alongside a comprehensive tour of the facilities.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements
This residency program is known for being highly competitive; therefore, strong academic credentials are essential. The program is considered friendly to applicants from a DO background or IMG (International Medical Graduates), provided the prerequisite qualifications are satisfied.

Visa Support
The program can support applicants requiring visa sponsorship, with assistance typically extending to J-1 and H-1B visa types.