Attach to Residency Program:
Eastern Virginia Medical School
If you were an applicant, why would you choose to train in your residency program?:
The EVMS Urology program combines a diverse operative experience with excellent clinical and academic training. Among the three main teaching hospitals (Sentara Hospitals Southside, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, and the US Naval Hospital) we have 21 faculty, 16 of whom are fellowship trained. The faculty is strongly committed to top level resident training, academics, and clinical research. We have two strong fellowship programs - in reconstructive urology and laparoendoscopic surgery - which we feel enhance resident training. Our residents have consistently scored well on the ABU examinations and our graduates have excelled in both the academic and private practice realms. Those interested in fellowship training have secured excellent fellowships and those interested in private practice have been highly sought after by first quality practices. Our residents are treated with respect and seem happy to be here, and that's important to us. Additionally, Tidewater Virginia is a great place to live.
What is your program looking for in a graduating medical student?:
Character, integrity, industry, collegiality, idealism, intellect, maturity, thoughtfulness, compassion, enthusiasm, and consideration for others.
What part of an application do you consider most important in ranking applicants?:
Recommendations from other urologists known to us, particularly your school's urology chairman or program director. Academic performance. USMLE scores. Diversity of interests and outside achievements - Eagle Scout, missionary work, community service, military experience. A well-written, concise, thoughtful, and cogent personal statement. Research experience is a plus, but not essential, as are publications.
What advice do you have for medical students hoping to match in Urology?:
* Find a mentor. Be certain urology is what you want and that our program is the kind of training environment you are seeking. Be both candid and thoughtful in your personal statement. Get meaningful and substantive recommendations from urologists. Study hard and do well on your courses and on your USMLE exams.
* Treat your fellow applicants with respect, and be respectful of the programs with which you interview. Remember that you represent your institution as well as yourself.
* Try to do an outside urology rotation if you have an interest in a particular institution's program. If this isn't possible, a short clinical experience of a week or two may be helpful. That will also give you another urology chairman or program director who can provide some meaningful observations about you to other programs.
* Treat your fellow applicants with respect, and be respectful of the programs with which you interview. Remember that you represent your institution as well as yourself.
* Try to do an outside urology rotation if you have an interest in a particular institution's program. If this isn't possible, a short clinical experience of a week or two may be helpful. That will also give you another urology chairman or program director who can provide some meaningful observations about you to other programs.
