Old Dominion University Program

Program Identity & Fit

This ODU/EVMS-affiliated ophthalmology program is a small, community- and university-blended residency built on a distinctive joint-match structure, requiring an intern year in Internal Medicine before three years of ophthalmology training, with clinical exposure anchored at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the region's only Level I trauma center, and the Hampton VA Medical Center. The program is compact (two residents per year), reflecting a boutique training model rather than a high-volume academic powerhouse, and its holistic, panel-based interview process signals emphasis on candidate fit, leadership, service and demonstrated ophthalmology interest over pure metrics. Research/scholarly activity is listed among desired CV elements but is not described as mandatory or central to the program's identity, suggesting a clinically grounded rather than research-driving culture. The program appears to value well-rounded applicants with community engagement, prior clinical exposure to ophthalmology, and comfort with a longer, more traditional internal-medicine-integrated training pathway.