Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of vacation do residents receive?
Four weeks (28 days) of non-clinical time. This can be PTO, vacation or sick days, or conference attendance.
What is Inova's history with residency programs?
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and Inova Children's Hospital have a long history in preparing residents and medical students from nearby medical schools. In addition to surgery, we have primary residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, transitional medicine, podiatry, psychiatry, pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. Many of the attending staff in our program have teaching appointments at Virginia Commonwealth University – Inova Campus and other surrounding universities.
Where do residents live?
Most residents live within a 15-mile radius of the hospital. Inova Fairfax and Inova Children's Hospital are in Northern Virginia, located near the Capital Beltway in the Washington, DC, metro area. The hospitals are fairly accessible from all directions, with commutes typically ranging around 30 minutes or less. Northern Virginia has enjoyed explosive growth over the past 20 years.
Does the program participate in ERAS and NRMP?
Yes.
What are the restrictions on year of graduation?
An applicant has to be a graduate of medical school within the last 5 years.
Do you sponsor H and J1 visas?
ECFMG sponsors J1 visas and the institution sponsors H1. We do accept both visas.
Do you require applicants to be certified by the ECFMG before the interview?
No, an applicant needs to be certified by ECFMG by the time he/she matches with us.
Do you require U.S. clinical experience from applicants?
Yes, our program requires a mandatory three months of US clinical experience.
Do you consider observership as US clinical experience?
No.
Do you offer observership or externship?
No.
Do you require any non-US clinical experience?
No.
Does the program consider applications from foreign medical graduates?
Yes.
What is the last date of applying for the program?
November 30.
How many categorical and preliminary positions does the program offer each year?
Our program has six categorical positions available each year. No preliminary positions are currently offered.
Is pre-match offered?
No.
Are there specific requirements regarding letters of recommendations?
We require three letters of recommendation from US or Canadian physicians, including, if possible, the chair of surgery or designee and a dean's letter (or equivalent). International medical graduates must have letters of recommendation which clearly document US or Canadian clinical experience.