Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in our surgical residency program at The University of Virginia.  As part of one of the nation’s most esteemed and historic public universities, our department maintains active leadership and involvement in a diverse and respected learning community.   My research years have furthered my appreciation and regard for the standard of academic advancement and clinical service both within our department and across our University.  As the beneficiary of one of six two-year NIH departmental training grant positions, my research experience has enabled personal development and recognized participation at the national and international level.  Faculty support and mentorship have provided me the latitude to pursue areas of interest in transplantation research while enabling my enrollment in the Medical Scientist Training Program at our University.  It is with this experience that I, and others, have been inspired to adopt an active bench-to-bedside approach in the care of our patients and the advancement of our art.

In addition to unmatched clinical and research training, our department is defined by a collective acceptance of mutual respect, professional responsibility, and shared accountability.  I am proud to consider both faculty and fellow residents as life-long mentors, colleagues, and friends.  I hope that you, too, will understand the importance of such support and collegiality in choosing a place to train.  I am honored to be a part of the University of Virginia and consider our program a standard for surgical education and training.

Matthew Stone, M.D.

Research Resident

Department of Surgery