Resident Perspectives
 

I initially chose the Combined program on the idea of having broader medical training and particularly better inpatient training. As it has turned out though, the focuses were reversed, as I decided to become a hospitalist. This I have been able to do very well with the training I received in the Combined program, and I feel that the surgical, OB/GYN and other 'Family Medicine' training I received has been very valuable as we are still frequently consulted on patients outside the realm of Internal Medicine proper. Also, I feel good outpatient training in a realistic community practice, such as is part of the Combined program, was a critical part in my training. As a hospitalist, one of the most important skills is knowing what can be handled safely in the outpatient setting. Often, general Internal Medicine programs are very limited in their outpatient training experience. Finally, I feel my experience in the Combined program was greatly improved by the presence of Dr. James Dixon, whose dedication to his residents and striving to listen to and act on his residents' input (though he won't admit that) have kept the program a success. Thomas Miller, M.D., Class of '99

I chose (the Combined program) because I felt I wanted to be the ultimate primary care physician with all the skills for treating a wide variety of illnesses taught in Family Medicine residencies, plus I wanted some extra in-hospital skills for my sicker patients. Paul Maynard, M.D., Class of '02

My choice to spend four years in Norfolk was predominantly based on an issue probably familiar to many of you: It was relatively clear to me that primary care was to be the focus of my career, but I wanted to leave every option open. I felt that the dual training would provide an exceptional education in primary care, while at the same time maintaining specialization options. As it turned out, the field of gastroenterology sparked my interest along the way, and I am currently a second-year fellow in Alabama, training under several of the most prominent gastroenterologists in the world. During the interview process, it became clear that the additional training afforded by the combined program was heavily considered by subspecialty program directors. Whether primary care, hospitalist, or subspecialty medicine is the route which you eventually choose, this combined training leaves every possible avenue open. Jonathan Siegel, M.D., Class of '02 (9/20/04)

I chose the Combined program because, although I liked the broad training of Family Medicine, I was also searching for the depth of training obtained in Internal Medicine. Now, having practiced for the last three years on the rural island of Kauai, I know I made the right choice. I regularly follow my patients in the hospital, and the I.C.U. My outpatient clinic is fun and challenging, as I see a variety of different patients. One of my patients recently remarked, "You also see my grandfather, and my niece. You see everybody." And I do. I am also consulted regularly by many of my Family Practice colleagues. I would choose the Combined program again without hesitation.” R. Craig Netzer, M.D., Class of ’02 (7/21/05)

One of the main reasons I chose the combined dual-specialty program was for my interest in Women's Health and a concomitant interest in HIV medicine. I felt that this dual specialty allowed me to tailor my education to focus on these things and to learn more about these fields. I felt that a Med-Peds, OB, or FP/OB would not be able to fulfill my needs. I learned a great deal during my residency experience in these two areas. The Combined program has also opened up the avenue for me to pursue any sub-specialty within Medicine (if I chose to do so) or fellowship in Family Medicine. I'll always be grateful for the invaluable experience I had at EVMS. Melissa Asuncion, M.D., Class of '03

I wanted the opportunity to specialize but also the breadth and depth of both FP and IM. The other thing is that we get to go to twice the parties!! (if we wanted to!). I LOVE what I am doing and would do it again in a heartbeat. Sandy Bruxvoort, M.D., Class of '04

Our Combined residency program has the benefits of both a small program and a large program. There are only about a dozen Combined residents so we are very close-knit and supportive of each other. However, being a part of the Family Medicine and Internal Medicine departments gives us the resident back-up of a large department, making call schedules, vacation, and sick leave easier. Wendy Coling, M.D., Class of '04

Well worth moving around the world for! Anke Hacker, M.D., Class of '05 (from Munich, Germany)

I chose the Combined program because I just couldn't imagine doing anything else. I want to eventually do small town medicine and I want to be prepared for 'whatever walks through the door.' I believe this program will prepare me for working in the hospital as well as working in the outpatient setting. The variety that that entails is the kind of job satisfaction that I'm looking for. Like I said, I just can't imagine doing anything else. Tracy Mathena, M.D., Class of '07

After 3+ years of the Combined Program I can honestly say there is nothing else I’d rather be doing, and no place I’d rather be doing it. The Combined Program has been a wonderful experience with great attendings, residents, and staff, and will send me out into my career as well-trained as I could ever have hoped. Peter Tait, M.D., Class of ‘08

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