University of Virginia Health System

Dear Applicant,

As a chief resident preparing to graduate, it doesn't seem like 7 years since I was in your position.  I remember the painstaking process of interviewing, traveling, spending money I didn't have, and talking to what seemed like hundreds of residents and faculty members across the country.  We are pleased you are interested in the general surgery program at UVA and welcome you to explore your options both here and throughout your interview process.

As I look back on my training, I am extremely proud to have had the opportunity to train in such a supportive environment.   From the program director to the newest members of the faculty, our staff is dedicated to education.   We are continually recognized on an institutional and national level for our excellence in teaching.   As an example, one of our former chief residents, Ramesh Singh (Class of 2007 - 2008) won the resident teaching award given annually by the American College of Surgeons.  Similarly, our residents have won the top teaching award for medical students at the university three years running.  Clearly, teaching is a long and respected tradition in our department and is one of the main factors separating our program from the rest.

An additional asset of this department is the esprit de corps.  We genuinely have a remarkable relationship with both our fellow residents and faculty.  As a result, this type of environment fosters success at every level.  It allows for collaboration in both the clinical and research arena, which provides opportunities for residents that may not otherwise exist.

Finally, our department is dedicated heavily to research.   We have established laboratories run by faculty within the department of Surgery doing a wide variety of basic science research in oncology, transplantation, hepatobiliary, and cardiovascular physiology.  We also have laboratories focused on clinical outcomes research as well as educational research.  While in the laboratory for two years, I presented at over 20 national meetings and will finish the program with 30 peer-reviewed publications.  Each resident that spends time in the lab finishes with a curriculum vitae that is unparalleled by most residents applying for a fellowship or clinical position.  Clearly this reflects the level of dedication to resident research that exists within the department.

While we are without question a tertiary referral center and a heavy academic institution, the level of operative experience you will obtain is excellent.  I will finish the program with 1100 to 1200 cases ranging from the bread and butter cases to complex hepatobiliary, laparoscopy, and over 150 endoscopic procedures.  The residents finishing our program are very well prepared from an operative standpoint to step into any clinical role.

I wish you the best of luck in your application and encourage you to look closely at our program.  If you have any questions, any of our residents or faculty would be happy to speak to you.

Sincerely,