1. Why has VCU's School of Medicine entered into a relationship with Fairfax Hospital?

This new relationship affords the School of Medicine many unique opportunities, not the least of which is to provide our students clinical experience in one of the best hospitals in the country with a long tradition of educating medical students and residents. Northern Virginia is one of the fastest growing areas in the country and Fairfax Hospital serves a diverse patient population. Our relationship will also afford us the opportunity for new collaborative research efforts in medical outcomes and biotechnology.

2. Which medical student applicants should consider taking their clinical rotations at Fairfax Hospital?

This program is open to all applicants to the School of Medicine. Currently approximately 15 percent of our student body is from Northern Virginia; and we feel these students will be particularly attracted to returning closer to home for their clinical experience.

3. How much of my third and fourth year will I spend at Fairfax Hospital?

The inpatient clinical experience during the third year will be spent entirely at Fairfax Hospital. Outpatient clinical experience will be spent at Fairfax Hospital outpatient clinics and the offices of private practitioners in the community. The fourth year of medical school has up to six months of elective experience; and this time can be spent at Fairfax Hospital, the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, or at any hospital in the country with an approved elective program.

4. Will housing be provided?

Just as it is in Richmond, housing for students doing their clinical rotations at Fairfax Hospital will be the responsibility of the students.

5. Northern Virginia has a high cost of living. What financial accommodations will be made for students at Fairfax Hospital?

The amount of money available for student loans is determined by the cost of living in that geographical area. Therefore students at Fairfax will be able to borrow more money to offset the higher cost of living in Northern Virginia.

6. Will my educational experience at Fairfax Hospital be different than in Richmond?

The accrediting body of the School of Medicine, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), requires the School of Medicine to have an equivalent educational experience at all teaching sites. A full series of core lectures is planned for Fairfax Hospital. Students on both campuses have didacticconferences, teeaching rounds, and a full array of other learing opportunities. Because of its size, Fairfax Hospital has the potential for additional clinical opportunities for students, particularly in the area of Obstetrics, where Fairfax Hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. The grading system will be the same on both campuses.

7. What if I changed my mind about going to Fairfax after I've started medical school?

The School of Medicine has made a commitment to Fairfax Hospital to provide 24 students for each of the third and fourth years. Once a matriculated student has confirmed his/her preference for Fairfax Hospital, he/she will be expected to attend. We recognize, however, that extenuating circumstances can occur following matriculation; and the school will work with students individually to meet their needs.

8. What if the Fairfax program is not accredited?

The LCME accredits Schools of Medicine through a formal evaluation process that encompasses all aspects of the medical education process. It does not selectively accredit individual programs within the school. The VCU School of Medicine received full seven year accreditation from the LCME at its most recent site visit in 2001. The School of Medicine has been working with the LCME to ensure that this new program will meet the standards set down by the LCME prior to 2005.

9. What will my diploma say?

Students who attend Fairfax Hospital will be students of Virginia Commonwealth University as are all other medical students, and this will be stated on the diploma.

10. What type of support services for students will be available at Fairfax Hospital?

The same support services will be offered at Fairfax as in Richmond. For example, there will be an advising system, counseling services, and financial aid services. Fairfax students will also always have the option of coming to Richmond to seek assistance/guidance in any area.

11. Will spending my clinical years at Fairfax Hospital make me less competitive for a residency program?

Quite the contrary. Fairfax Hospital has a long tradition of educating medical students and residents; and the excellence of their programs will make our students not only competitive but also well prepared for their post-graduate training.

12. When will I find out if I've been accepted for this program?

Students will be notified at the time of their acceptance to VCU School of Medicine. Indicating that you are interested in the program will increase but not guarantee your chance for being selected to go to Fairfax.