Frequently Asked Questions
Is an externship essential to attaining a residency position?
No. The externship is primarily an educational experience aimed at helping students develop their academic and clinical skills. However, the month rotation does allow the attending physicians serving on the hospital's Residency Training Committee an opportunity to assess the student's understanding of podiatric medicine and surgery in a variety of situations, rather than limiting the experience to one or two 20 minute interviews. (See externship section.)
Can an externship hurt my chances for attaining a residency position at the hospital?Yes and no. If the student performs poorly, the this will not help his or her chances. Conversely, if the student performs well, this will enhance his or her chances. Currently six of the current externs were externs. It is highly recommend therefore for interested and highly motivated applicants to consider an externship if feasible.
If I don't do an externship, do I need to visit the program prior to the interview process?No. But considering if accepted, you will be spending the next three years at this facility. It would, therefore, appear beneficial to get a flavor of the program including meeting residents, attendings, and observing interactions between these individuals. Is the Northern Virginia area, an area you and your family would like to live in for the next three years? Visits can be arranged by contacting the administrative assistant (See contact us.)
Do I have to be ranked at the very top of my class to be considered?No. Applicants are selected from the top 25 percent of their class, with documentation required from the respective college of podiatric medicine. Although the program has found a student must possess strong classroom and clinical skills to function in this program, other factors including motivation, and clinical and social skills are important as well.
Does the residency program select from only certain schools of podiatric medicine?No. Applicants are expected from all the colleges and schools. Currently five schools are represented among the ten residents.
What does the program look for in a prospective resident? The Program has defined the following factors as keys to being a successful resident:- A team player
- Self- motivated individual
- Confident but not egotistical
- Demonstrates leadership potential
- Articulate
- Non-passive
- Good interpersonal skills
- Research oriented
- Excellent manual dexterity
- Can take constructive criticism
- Can function well under stress
- Willing to put in long hours (limited to the 80-hour rule)
Most residents live within a 20-mile radius of the hospital. Since the hospital is located near a major highway (the Capital Beltway) and outside of a big city, the hospital is easily accessible from all directions. The commute will typically be between 15 and 30 minutes in any one direction. Northern Virginia has enjoyed explosive growth over the past 20 years. Fairfax County has also one of the best public school systems in the country. All of this lead to an influx of professionals and a high standard of living. You may expect paying in the range of $800 - $1,000 or greater when considering renting a single apartment. While purchasing a home or condominium may be expensive, because of the booming housing market, you can expect a significant return on your investment.
What are some of the long-term benefits of being a resident at this Program?Upon graduation, the resident will as a fully trained podiatric physician have
the confidence to be a successful practitioner or educator. Because of the program's
national reputation, residents have excellent employment opportunities and been
able to compete successfully for the premier positions.
With alumni currently practicing in 14 states, a strong and growing alumni association,
the Virginia Foot and Ankle Institute has been established and is currently
running lecture and workshop programs throughout the United States. Current residents
have been able to attend several of these lectures at no cost.
For more information regarding the Virginia Foot and Ankle Institute, visit
our Web site at www.faiv.com.
