Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), now known as Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, has built a strong reputation for its residency programs. Known for its community-centered healthcare, hands-on clinical training, and diverse patient exposure, EVMS offers a high-quality education for residents. If you’re considering a residency program, it’s worth considering whether EVMS is the right fit for you.
Why Consider EVMS for Residency?
The residency programs at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences provide an outstanding combination of clinical, academic, and community-based healthcare education. Here’s why EVMS is an excellent choice for medical graduates:
-
Diverse Clinical Exposure:
Residents work across multiple settings, including the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (a top-tier teaching hospital) and Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, exposing them to a variety of patient demographics and medical conditions.
-
Community-Centered Approach:
The school’s mission emphasizes addressing healthcare disparities, which is evident in the strong community involvement of its residents. EVMS residents are trained to provide care to underserved populations, making them compassionate and well-rounded physicians.
Top Residency Programs at EVMS
EVMS offers some of the top residency programs in the state, giving residents excellent opportunities to specialize in various fields. Here are some of its programs:
Internal Medicine Residency:
The Internal Medicine residency at EVMS is well-known for its hands-on training. Residents work at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, gaining experience with a diverse patient population. The program offers three tracks: Categorical, Preliminary, and Medicine/Geriatrics.
The Categorical track prepares residents for advanced fellowships in specialties like cardiology or oncology. The Preliminary track gives trainees a strong foundation in medicine before entering advanced programs such as radiology or dermatology. Lastly, the Medicine/Geriatrics track offers extra training in elderly care, which is valuable for providers who plan to work with older adults.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN):
EVMS’s OB-GYN residency offers excellent training in general obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, and gynecologic oncology. Residents gain experience at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where over 3,000 births happen each year. They also train at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, working with children who have complex gynecological conditions.
Family Medicine Residency:
The Family Medicine residency focuses on providing care to underserved communities. Residents train at Ghent Family Medicine and Portsmouth Family Medicine, both recognized for their high-level patient care. The program has been running since 1974 and consistently achieves a 100% pass rate on board exams, demonstrating its strong commitment to quality training.
Surgery Residency:
The Surgery residency at EVMS offers comprehensive training in general and specialized surgery. Residents primarily train at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a Level I trauma center. This allows them to handle serious surgical cases and develop the skills they need to succeed in both general surgery and specialized fields.
These top programs at EVMS offer specialized, high-quality training that prepares residents for a successful career in medicine.
EVMS Faculty and Mentorship
One of the core strengths of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences is its dedicated faculty. EVMS places a strong emphasis on faculty involvement and personalized mentorship. Residents are matched with experienced mentors who guide them through the challenges of residency, from clinical practice to research projects and career development.
The mentorship culture at EVMS fosters a collaborative environment, making it easier for residents to thrive. Many residents report that their relationships with faculty were a critical component of their successful training.
Norfolk as a Location for Residency Training
Norfolk, Virginia, provides a unique environment for residency training. The city’s diverse patient population allows residents to treat a variety of medical conditions across different socioeconomic groups. Additionally, Norfolk offers a relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities, which can help residents manage the demands of their training more comfortably.
The city also provides ample opportunities for spending your free time. From cultural activities to outdoor recreation, residents find that Norfolk offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge.
Reviews from EVMS Residents
Feedback from graduates consistently highlights EVMS residency reviews as positive. Former residents frequently praise the supportive learning environment, faculty mentorship, and the institution’s focus on hands-on experience. Additionally, many residents appreciate the diversity of clinical cases they encounter, which provides a well-rounded educational experience.
Graduates also speak highly of the community focus at EVMS. The institution’s commitment to addressing healthcare disparities ensures that residents are prepared to care for a wide range of patient populations, making them more adaptable and empathetic physicians.
Application Process for EVMS Residency Program
The application process for the EVMS residency program is competitive. There are three different tracks in Internal Medicine: Categorical, Preliminary, and Medicine/Geriatrics. Each track has a set number of available positions for which applicants can apply.
To apply, you need to submit your application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Here’s what you need:
- ERAS Application: The main application for all residency applicants.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters are required. One of these must come from either the Chair of Medicine or your Program Director.
- USMLE/COMLEX Scores: You must pass the USMLE or COMLEX exams on your first try. These scores need to be submitted by January 31st.
- Personal Statement and Medical School Transcript: These documents are reviewed carefully to understand your experience and goals.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can also apply if they meet certain requirements. These include graduating from medical school within the last five years, having U.S. clinical experience, and being eligible for a J-1 visa. EVMS does not sponsor H-1B visas.
There are a limited number of residency spots available, and the process is highly selective, so it’s important to make sure your application is strong.
For a more detailed overview, visit the official application page.
How EVMS Prepares Residents for Successful Careers
At Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, residency programs are designed to ensure residents are well-prepared for their future careers, whether in academic medicine, private practice, or specialized fields.
The new partnership with Old Dominion University is great news for residents. The Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences now offers access to more advanced research labs and new learning opportunities. This means residents will have more chances to work on cutting-edge projects, especially if they are interested in academic medicine or research. With more tools and resources, this partnership helps residents get ready for a wide range of medical careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the main benefits of training at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences (formerly EVMS)?
The main benefits include working with a variety of people, and focusing on community healthcare. Residents get to train in different top-level hospitals, learn from different types of patients, and receive guidance to become skilled doctors. - What is the cost of living like in Norfolk, Virginia?
Norfolk has a lower cost of living compared to big cities. This makes it an affordable and appealing place for residents who want a good balance between work and life. - Can International Medical Graduates (IMGs) apply to EVMS residency programs?
Yes, IMGs can apply if they meet certain requirements. These include graduating within the last five years, having experience in U.S. hospitals, and qualifying for a J-1 visa. However, EVMS does not support H-1B visas. - What new opportunities does the partnership with Old Dominion University offer?
The partnership gives residents more access to advanced research labs, new projects, and learning opportunities. This is especially helpful for those who want to work in academic medicine or specialized fields.
To Conclude: Is EVMS Good for Residency?
In conclusion, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University (formerly Eastern Virginia Medical School) is an outstanding option for medical graduates looking for a well-rounded and community-focused residency program. With its top-rated programs like Internal Medicine and Surgery, and strong faculty mentorship, EVMS provides a nurturing environment that helps residents grow both personally and professionally.
For more tips, resources, and expert advice on navigating the residency application process, visit Jack Westin. If you’re looking for personalized guidance, consider scheduling a 1:1 consultation with Jack Westin experts. Our experienced advisors can help you build a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.