All About Residents

During the 2023-2024 academic year (AY), more than 122,000 health professions trainees (HPTs) participated in programs offered through partnerships between 153 VA medical facilities and more than 1,450 academic institutions. For the 2025-26 academic year, Lexington VA Health Care System has 170 newly arriving resident / fellows for a total of 539. There is a misunderstanding that residents are not doctors, read more to learn more about the education process for our clinical staff.

All About Residents!

Description of a Medical Student:
A medical school student is an individual enrolled in a medical school program, aiming to become a physician. This education typically spans four years, including both classroom-based learning and clinical rotations. The first two years focus on basic medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, while the latter two emphasize clinical training in various medical specialties. Medical school students often engage in rigorous study and hands-on practice to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for diagnosing and treating patients.

 Medical school lasts for four years, with the first two years focused on studying basic medical sciences, and the third and fourth years dedicated to clinical rotations in various medical specialties. Clinical rotations provide exposure to different fields such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology, helping students decide on a specialty for residency. In the fourth year, students apply to residency programs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in interviews. Match Day occurs in March, when students find out if and where they have been accepted into residency programs via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Following graduation, students earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. They then begin residency training in their chosen specialty, which lasts between three to seven years, providing intensive practical training under supervision to become fully licensed and board-certified physicians.

Description Residency:
The journey from medical student to residency involves several key steps. Residency is a crucial stage in the journey to becoming a fully licensed physician, following medical school graduation. It is a period of specialized training that typically lasts between three to seven years, depending on the chosen specialty. During residency, doctors work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced attending physicians.

The first year of residency is known as the internship year, where residents often gain broad-based clinical experience and a foundation in various medical disciplines. As residents progress through their training, they take on increasing levels of responsibility for patient care. They perform procedures, develop treatment plans, and refine their diagnostic skills. The rigorous schedule includes long hours, often entailing overnight shifts, weekends, and on-call duties to ensure continuous patient care.
Residents rotate through different subspecialties within their chosen field, gaining comprehensive exposure and experience. Education and professional development are key components of residency. Residents regularly attend educational conferences, grand rounds, and case discussions. They also participate in research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and sometimes, scholarly activities like publishing papers or presenting at professional meetings.

Throughout residency, residents must meet specific educational and clinical milestones set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). They also prepare for specialty board examinations, which are required to become board-certified in their field. These exams assess knowledge and clinical competence, ensuring that residents are well-prepared to independently practice their specialty upon completion of their residency.

Educational Impact:
The educational mission of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is to train future healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver top-quality care to Veterans and the general population. This mission is vital for addressing the unique health needs of Veterans. The VHA plays a significant role in training medical residents each year, with the latest data showing that approximately 10,000 residents are trained annually across various specialties.

The Lexington VA Health Care System is committed to training healthcare professionals to ensure they deliver the highest quality care for veterans. By partnering with academic institutions, the Lexington VA offers comprehensive hands-on training for medical students, residents, fellows, nursing students, and allied health trainees within its facilities. This system emphasizes cutting-edge technology and simulation-based training to keep trainees updated with the latest medical advancements. Interprofessional education is promoted to foster teamwork and collaboration among healthcare providers. The Lexington VA encourages research and scholarly activities to advance medical knowledge and improve care practices. By focusing on superior education and training, the Lexington VA Health Care System aims to improve health outcomes for veterans, nurturing a skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate healthcare workforce dedicated to serving those who have served the nation.

Residents impact on Veteran Healthcare
Receiving healthcare from residents at the Lexington VA Medical Center can significantly benefit veterans in several ways. One notable advantage is access to advanced treatments and procedures, as these residents often work in environments that lead in medical research and technology. This ensures that Veterans can receive the latest medical innovations and approaches that might not be available in other settings. Additionally, the care provided by residents is typically of high quality because Veterans are often treated by a team of healthcare providers, including experienced attending physicians and medical students. This team-based approach ensures comprehensive care with multiple perspectives on diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of veterans. Moreover, residents focus on education and training, which translates into a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

Welcome to all our Residents and thank you to all the staff members who participate in the collaborative effort of onboarding. This process led by Designated Education Office working with various ADPACs, the PIV office and OIT, ensures that all residents have active PIV cards and can access the VA network and systems on day 1. 

Written by: Bethany Hayden and Sarah Webb