Each resident also actively participates in teaching medical students coming to the surgical service from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Surgery Preliminary Program Residents planning a surgical career other than general surgery may choose the Surgery Preliminary Program. Residents who decide to enter general surgery may satisfy first-year requirements through this program. This program can be adjusted to meet requirements for a resident's future career. Surgical electives include urology, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, orthopedics and gynecology.
Electives are also available in anesthesiology, internal medicine and medical specialties.
Duties Residents act as first assistants to attending surgeons and chief residents. Under their supervision, residents perform operative procedures matching their capabilities and experience. Residents also make daily teaching rounds with their attending surgeons and chief residents, as well as their own work rounds. Residents write orders for their patients and attend to their needs under the supervision of the attending physician or chief resident surgeon. Duties and objectives of the Surgery Preliminary Program are basically the same as those for the General Surgery Categorical Program.