In addition to the residency training programs in psychology and a variety of medical specialties, the VA provides training programs for respiratory therapists, radiology technologists, dieticians, pathologists' assistants, nurses, electrophysiology technologists, speech pathologists, medical technologists, physician assistants, physical therapists, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, hospital administrators, and medical records administrators. Medical Center resources are numerous. The library is well stocked and equipped with all major computer literature search services and free photocopying. Books and professional articles not housed in the Medical Center can be obtained easily via an interlibrary loan system, or acquired quickly from the nearby Duke Medical Library where all residents have privileges. Each resident has a private office equipped with a computer and printer, and has access to the networked hospital computer system, which in turn provides access to each patient s electronic medical record.
Residents can shop at the VA retail store for a wide variety of merchandise, tax-free.
Return to top. The Setting The VA Medical Center is located in Durham, North Carolina, adjacent to the Duke University Medical Center and the Duke University campus. Durham is situated in north central North Carolina, midway between the Atlantic Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. From this location, both beach and mountain resort areas are within easy driving distance, offering opportunities for skiing weekends in the winter and day trips to the beach during warmer seasons. Art festivals, theaters, clubs, dance festivals, and concerts are all locally available.