The Vanderbilt University Medical Center offers an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical (OMS) Residency Program that, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, allows qualified individuals to complete a Vanderbilt University M.D. in three years and thereafter progress directly into the VUMC OMS residency. The Vanderbilt University Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical (OMS) Residency Program and VU M.D. program accept one student each year to this program. The OMS-MD curriculum allows trainees to meet graduation requirements for the doctor of medicine at the end of three years, at which point the Vanderbilt University M.D. is conferred. During the last three of six years in the OMS-MD program, the trainees continue full time in the VUMC OMS residency program.
With a case-based, system-based learning model and personalized medical school curriculum, there are generous opportunities for the OMS resident-medical student to explore areas of personal interest and emphasis programs for an outstanding medical/surgical education. The program prepares residents for the community practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as for advanced fellowship training and academic careers. Areas of clinical strength include the comprehensive management of all facets of facial trauma, benign and malignant head and neck pathology, orthognathic surgery, facial reconstruction, secondary cleft care, and dentoalveolar surgery and implants with an emphasis on implant site development.
Applications to the OMS-MD program are accepted through ADEA PASS (www.adea.org/PASSapp) beginning in mid-May of each year. Applications are due via the PASS system by September 15 of each year, and interview invitations are sent directly to selected candidates. Interviews are conducted in the months of October and November. Detailed information can be found on the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry website.
The selection process for applicants emphasizes past academic performance, personal attributes such as a sound work ethic, dedication, honesty, and a demonstrated commitment to postgraduate training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The latter may be demonstrated through completion of one or more OMS externships, preferably of at least two (2) weeks’ duration. Letters of recommendation are required and specified by the PASS application information for this program. Such letters are very carefully reviewed and should be provided by dental school faculty who can share personal knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications, commitment, personal attributes, and accomplishments.
One trainee is identified annually through the OMS residency selection process. The OMS department recommends the selected candidate to the School of Medicine Admission Committee. The Admission Committee reviews the applicant’s credentials and makes an M.D. program admission determination.