Research

Residents are able to explore opportunities in Basic Science, Clinical Research Quality Systems (CRQS), VA 3D Printing, and Global Surgery. This includes a chance to earn a Masters in Public Health (MPH), and spend a year gaining hands-on experience in-country.

Research Years

Most trainees take one or two years for dedicated academic time after the PGY2 year, remaining clinically competent and well-compensated through moonlighting.

Basic Science Opportunities

Residents have the opportunity to spend approximately 2 years in basic science research labs in Richmond. Here they may conduct research in trauma resuscitation, surgical oncology, transplant, or cardiac surgery as well as other fields across the medical center. Descriptions of labs can be found here.

Chief Resident in Quality and Safety

The National Center for Patient Safety sponsors a one-year program for residents across the country in various specialties to focus on patient quality and safety as well as quality improvement at their local VA. This year long program involves over 80 residents at over 50 VA centers that participate in regular large group didactics focused on teaching principles of quality and safety, as well as small group sessions that focus on conducting a quality improvement project to improve the safety of healthcare at each CRQS’s local facility. At the end of this program, residents are equipped to conduct root cause analysis of patient safety events, design and conduct a quality improvement project, and teach others about the importance of patient safety and high reliability organizations.

VA 3D Printing Fellowship

Our residents have the opportunity to complete a two-year 3D printing fellowship at our VA facility under the guidance of Dr. Michael Amendola. During this fellowship residents learn the intricacies of 3D printing and its applicability to modern healthcare and surgery.

Global Surgery

Residents have the opportunity to do research in Global Surgery for 2 years. One of these years is spent obtaining an MPH, with the second year spent in country.

External Research Opportunities

Options to conduct research at other academic institutions or the National Institutes of Health. Residents may also elect to leave Richmond for their research time.

Moonlighting Opportunities

Encouraged during lab time, with multiple opportunities available.