Training tomorrow's surgeons in Central Virginia: A win-win for patients and providers
At a time when the U.S. is facing a critical physician shortage — projected to reach 120,000 doctors by 2030 — HCA Virginia has launched a new general surgery residency program at Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals designed to train the next generation of skilled, compassionate surgeons in Central Virginia.
This program is about more than closing the gap, which is projected to be close to 4,000 doctors in 2030 according to the Cicero Institute —it’s about elevating care for everyone. By investing in graduate medical education today, HCA Healthcare is creating a pipeline of future surgeons while enhancing the patient care experience today.
The inaugural class of six residents — three first-year and three second-year — began their journey this July. Over the next five years, they will rotate through a wide range of specialties including trauma, intensive care, burn, endocrine, transplant, and pediatric surgery. Each year, three new residents will join the program, building a strong foundation for the future.
“This program gives residents a comprehensive understanding of general surgery,” said Dr. Ashish Sethi, chief medical officer for Henrico, Parham & Retreat Doctors' Hospitals and the program’s designated institutional official. “And it benefits everyone — our surgeons, our hospitals, and most importantly, our patients.”
With more than 340 accredited programs by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), 5,400+ residents and fellows, and 79 teaching hospitals across 16 states, HCA Healthcare is the largest sponsor of graduate medical education in the country. That scale brings unmatched resources, case volume and mentorship opportunities.
“Having residents on site keeps everyone sharp,” Dr. Sethi added. “They ask questions, challenge assumptions and bring fresh energy. It pushes us all to stay current and deliver the best care possible.”
“With the development of new technologies in both surgical practice and medical education, residency training in general surgery is experiencing a remarkable period of transformation,” said Dr. Zeah Venitelli, who was recently brought on as program director. “It is an honor to be part of this progress through the establishment of a new residency program at Chippenham Hospital, committed to providing outstanding surgical care and resident education to the community.”
Dr. Amy Rose, a surgeon with the Virginia Surgical Institute, is helping lead the program from the private practice side. She sees firsthand how this model benefits both learners and patients.
“Most surgeons won’t go into academia — they’ll go into community practice,” she said. “That’s why it’s so important to train them in an environment like this, where the focus is on delivering excellent care to real people, every day.”
Patients benefit from the added attention and support residents provide, while residents gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced setting.
Dr. Grant Wagner, a second-year resident who joined the program after completing medical school and an internship at the University of Alabama Birmingham, is already seeing the impact.
“From day one, you’re juggling a lot—but you learn quickly,” he said. “The volume of surgeries here is incredible. It’s a great opportunity to grow and be part of something new.”
Dr. Wagner said he is especially excited to help shape the culture of the program as part of its inaugural class. “We’re building something special here,” he said.
By training future surgeons in a real-world, high-quality care environment, HCA Healthcare is not only addressing the physician shortage but also raising the bar for patient care. It’s a win for residents, a win for hospitals, and most importantly, a win for the communities we serve.