Dear Applicant,

I first encountered UVA as a fourth year visiting student, and immediately was drawn to the friendly personalities and collegial atmosphere of the surgical program. When I was searching for residency programs, I wanted an institution that valued the teaching of junior residents both in the operating room and in the lab. In my experience, UVA has delivered on both these areas.

The program is designed to optimize the operative experience of the categorical interns, and I finished my first year having logged well over 100 operative cases. Particularly strong intern experiences were in general surgery, colorectal surgery, endoscopy, and critical care. During that same year, I worked on three research projects and successfully submitted talks to two national conferences. From the very first week, categorical interns are encouraged to meet with potential mentors in anticipation for a two-year stint in academic research.

For all its competitive attributes, UVA has a remarkably benign atmosphere. Attending surgeons are very approachable, and chiefs and mid-level residents emphasize teaching and team cohesiveness. Residents spend time together outside the hospital, and in my experience colleagues are always willing to assist each other when needed. Attendings are highly invested in resident teaching and the program as a whole consistently emphasizes resident feedback.

Yinin Hu, MD     

Categorical General Surgery Resident (PGY-2)

University of Virginia Dept. of Surgery