Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia focuses on a strong clinical experience with an emphasis on evidence-based medicine. Residents in the program benefit from training in three settings, including our downtown campus, our Veterans Affairs hospital, and community surgery experience in Winchester, Virginia. Residents get robust training in open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques and are well equipped to compete for competitive fellowships or go straight into independent practice. Most residents will take academic time after the PGY2 year to engage in research with options including basic science opportunities, clinical research, quality improvement, or a Global Surgery Fellowship. The backbone of the program are the residents who display camaraderie, and through regular meetings with program leadership are encouraged to give feedback to continuously improve the program. VCU has a strong didactic and simulation curriculum including robotic training.