VCU Department of Surgery

The resident is exposed to all the cases and consults generated in the hospital. Seven active plastic surgery attendings field a wide variety of cosmetic, reconstructive, and hand cases.

The resident will supervise at least one surgical intern on their monthly rotation as well as two to three medical students. He/she will guide the team regarding their clinical duties and instruct them regarding current cases and principles of plastic surgery.

Close communication between the resident and attending surgeon is mandatory. The resident coordinates the scheduling of elective consult cases and urgent cases to fit into the daily operative schedule. The resident possesses knowledge of cases to be covered outside of the weekly schedule, he/she is responsible for studying the weekly schedule and assisting with allocation of residents to key cases. General plastic surgery clinic on Monday afternoon is staffed by an attending surgeon as well as the VA resident. The resident will assist if his/her schedule permits.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
The Hunter Holmes McGuire VA hospital is one of the largest in the state. We receive referrals from other VAs for difficult plastic and reconstructive problems including trauma and head/neck reconstruction. A well-run, well-equipped Spinal Cord Unit provides vast experience in the management of paraplegia/ tetraplegia. This includes flaps to trunk and lower extremity, tendon transfer and balancing, and functional muscle transfers to the upper limb. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are the usual operating days. Wednesday is dedicated to the combined hand/upper extremity reconstruction clinic followed by general plastic surgery clinic. Faculty attending surgeons participate in all aspects of the decision-making process and surgical procedures. Difficult or interesting cases are discussed in the Monday morning pre-op conference. Residents are allowed progressive responsibility as they advance through the training program.