Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Urology Residency Program at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System is designed to provide comprehensive training in urology, integrating scientific principles and practical experience in a supportive environment. It is a five-year ACGME-accredited program that accepts three residents annually, emphasizing a well-rounded educational approach to developing skilled and compassionate urologists.

Program Overview

The program aims to train residents to become capable surgeons and compassionate clinicians, preparing them to become leaders in the field of urology. The training model emphasizes diverse clinical experiences across adult and pediatric urology, allowing residents to develop their interests in various subspecialties.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum consists of a one-year general surgery internship (including significant urology service) followed by four years of clinical urology training. Residents engage in progressive responsibilities related to patient care and surgical skills. The training emphasizes both clinical and didactic education, guided by a faculty comprising 13 full-time educators including specialists in all urologic subspecialties. The program also features a six-month dedicated research rotation during the PGY3 year, which fosters academic accomplishments and hands-on research experience.

Clinical Rotations

During the first year, residents rotate across various disciplines including:

• 8 blocks in Urology (including 2 urogynecology),
• Acute General Surgery,
• Surgical Oncology,
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU),
• Interventional Radiology,
• Night Float Surgery.

In subsequent years, residents alternate between the VCU Medical Center and the McGuire VA Medical Center to gain varied experiences and exposure to complex urologic cases. The PGY3 year includes a six-month pediatric urology rotation, reinforcing knowledge and skills specifically in children's urologic needs.

Research Opportunities

The residency places a strong emphasis on research and academic productivity. Residents are encouraged to present research findings at national conferences and submit work for publication. The program supports residents during their research rotation, ensuring they have the mentorship necessary to contribute significantly to the field.

Didactics and Training Support

A comprehensive didactics curriculum is integrated into the residency, featuring weekly MUGS conferences covering morbidity and mortality, updates in clinical guidelines, and examination prep. The innovative "Strive for Five" program promotes biweekly reading. Regular exposure to robotic surgeries is facilitated through dedicated training and simulation facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including da Vinci robots.

Call Schedule

The call schedule is structured to gradually increase responsibility as residents progress through the program. The average PGY2 residents take 6-7 nights of call per month, while PGY4 residents significantly reduce weekend call commitments, ensuring manageable workloads. Chief residents mainly operate as back-up calls, supporting the junior residents.

Research and Awards

Residents are frequently recognized for their accomplishments during their training, including awards for performance in the annual in-service exam and competitive fellowships post-residency. Recent graduates have pursued prestigious fellowships in urologic oncology, reconstructive urology, and pediatric urology.

Application Process & Eligibility

Prospective applicants must be graduates of accredited U.S. medical or osteopathic schools. The program welcomes applications without specific cut-off scores for exams; however, USMLE Step scores and letters of recommendation from relevant authority figures, such as the Department Chair of Urology, are essential. The application process is handled through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and interviews are typically conducted virtually to promote equity among applicants.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to sponsor visas for international medical graduates (IMGs), specifically J-1 and H-1B visa types, which allows international candidates to participate in the residency program.

Competitiveness and Selection

The VCU Urology Residency Program is recognized as a highly competitive program; candidates are evaluated based on their commitment to urology and perceived compatibility with the program's values and culture. The selection committee aims to create a diverse and vibrant residency experience.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program's structure allows residents to experience a wide breadth of urology through its abundance of substantive rotations, research opportunities, and generous exposure to subspecialties. The high volume of cases at both the VCU Medical Center and the McGuire VA Medical Center enhances learning, ensuring that residents are well-prepared for their future practices, whether in academic settings or community-based practices.