Medical School: UConn School of Medicine Why VTCEM: I chose VTC because not only is it a fantastic program that gives me both community and academic exposure, the people here are also incredibly supportive. When I came to visit, so many of the residents made a huge effort to come out and get to know me. It was clear that everyone here had a great community, and I have felt that I was a part of that since the day I matched here. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and I have had the opportunity to learn both on and off shift from so many brilliant and talented faculty and co-residents. Plus the views in Southwest Virginia are more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen!
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine Graduate School (MPH): Tufts University School of Medicine Why VTCEM: My passions in public health and emergency medicine led me to the hidden gem of Carilion Clinic; as a local anchor institution and not-for-profit with a passion for investing in community building efforts to better serve their patients. I saw an opportunity to take what I have learned from the pioneering community building efforts in Boston, combined with a hospital system willing to invested in its community.
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine Why VTCEM: I chose VTC EM because of how relaxed and welcoming the faculty and residents were on interview day. They also preached how well prepared their graduating residents were upon leaving residency. I continued to find both of these things true during my residency. I've been able to build close relationships with both my fellow residents and attendings, ones that I know will continue after I finish.
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Graduate School (MS): Georgetown University Why VTCEM: I wanted to train at a place where I knew I’d graduate a strong EM clinician who could handle anything that came through my door. After my interview day and talking with some of the residents, it was obvious that VTC was one of those programs. We are high volume, high acuity, and the safety net for this community and the surrounding several hundred miles. We see *everything*. I am interested in pediatric EM and we have a robust curriculum that gives us more peds exposure than just about any other program I interviewed at. And finally, the mountains don’t suck!
Medical School: Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine Why VTCEM: Being from Roanoke, I am very biased but this area truly has something for everyone. From the outdoor activities, restaurants and breweries, sports, museums and much more. There are still many activities my wife and I haven’t experienced after spending our whole lives here. As far as VTCEM, the attendings are extremely friendly and willing to teach, but at the same time are people you want to hang out with outside of work. The high acuity and procedural experience is hugely beneficial during your residency training.
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine Why VTCEM: I think one of VTC’s strengths is the variety of practice settings that we get to learn in; we spend the majority of our time in an academic level I trauma center, but we also get to practice in small community sites. The chance to sample different practice settings was a large part of what attracted me to the program. That and our patients are sick, which isn’t exactly great for them, but sure makes for solid training. The mountains and outdoor activities in the area don’t hurt either!
Medical School: Rowan SOM Why VTCEM: I really wanted to train at a program with access to academics, community and rural since I wasn’t 100% sure where I wanted to practice after residency so that was a huge plus for me at VTC. We have a very sick patient population so you get plenty of acuity and exposure to procedures. My partner (IM Resident) and I couples matched and hands down believe we are both getting incredible training here while also getting a cheap cost of living with plenty of activities to do in the area.
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Why VTCEM: I chose the emergency medicine residency at Carilion Clinic due to its exceptional pediatric patient exposure, providing invaluable experience in managing diverse cases within a supportive and well-equipped environment. The program's emphasis on high acuity cases has further honed my skills, fostering a strong sense of confidence and preparedness in handling critical situations. Additionally, the location in Roanoke, VA, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, providing a balanced and enriching lifestyle during my training.
Medical School: Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu Why VTCEM: After graduation, I obtained a Diploma in Mountain Medicine and volunteered at Everest Base Camp, where he realized my love for Emergency Medicine. I learned about Carilion Clinic through a friend who matched here. I also met Dr. Gehner who conducts a Wilderness Trek to Everest Base Camp and was eager to learn about this program in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. I moved to Roanoke with my wife, Swati, who is a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Gynecologist. Roanoke instantly felt like a home away from home. I love hiking, traveling, and exploring new places with my wife. We recently welcomed our daughter, Arya, who was born in Roanoke Memorial.
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University Why VTCEM: I chose VTC for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, I was particularly drawn to the program's commitment to fostering the development of well-rounded emergency medicine physicians who excel in clinical skills, research, and community engagement. Additionally, as residents, we have the opportunity to see a wide range of complex and diverse cases helping us feel more prepared for life after residency. Lastly, and just as importantly, Roanoke is a great place to raise a family. Roanoke offers an excellent education system, making it an ideal place to raise children.
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine Why VTCEM: I chose VTC for it’s high acuity, hands-on approach, high procedure load, and due to good early experiences with our faculty. Access to good mountain biking was also high on the criteria list. Living in the woods of Blue Ridge has been a major plus, have space for my many hobbies and get to enjoy nature every day.
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine Why VTCEM: I chose VTC because during my interview I was impressed with the breadth of the EM faculty. I think that we have a very unique mix of highly academic physicians and physicians who have a much more community-based approach. You have the opportunity to experience both and see which feels right for your future practice. I enjoy the area with an excellent combination of affordability and access to nature.
Medical School: New York Medical College Why VTCEM: I had wanted to find a program that was both supportive and provided the patient exposure that would prepare me for practice after residency, I found both at Carilion. You gain exposure learning from the diagnostically vague in academic and community settings learning from core facility who love to teach. The department truly is one big family with a “we are in this together” mentality.
