Welcome from the Program Director
The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is dedicated to fulfilling its mission of excellence in patient care, education and research and the fellowship program is an integral part of this mission. Centered at Virginia Commonwealth University, the division and the program have a long tradition of excellence dating back to its early days as The Medical College of Virginia. We also benefit from our association with the Richmond VA Medical Center, with the two places combining to provide a wealth of both clinical and scholarly opportunities. The mission of the fellowship is grounded in helping to create the next generation of leaders in our field, both in academic medicine and private practice. Our fellows have successfully pursed careers across the country in both academics and private practice. We foster an educational environment that respects and builds upon the individual career aspirations of our fellows. Our graduating fellows have successfully pursued careers in both academics and private practice all over the US. While difficult to tell from a static webpage, the collegiality and diversity in the division, the department and the institution as a whole is truly palpable in person and is consistently one of the things that our fellows and faculty alike say sets us apart from almost anywhere else they’ve been. I know it’s a big reason that I came here and never left. Add in all that the Richmond region brings to the plate, and you’ll find yourself wanting to stay.
You’ll see more about our program as you move through this webpage, but it’s also important to talk about where you’ll be living. Richmond is truly a great place to live. Named by Outside magazine as “Best River Town in America” due to the outdoor activities, sporting events and festival, Richmond has also made top lists in places to visit (NY Times, Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Travel and Leisure, and Expedia to name a few). RVA is consistently ranked as of the top cities for food and is recognized for its robust brewery scene. Our museums are also top notch and have been recognized by multiple travel and tourism publications. Oh, and we have the Capital Trail, a paved 52-mile bike path stretching from Richmond to Williamsburg. So if you like to eat, drink, read and relax in a coffee shop, run, bike, kayak, climb, walk through the botanical gardens, listen to music or visit the latest exhibit, we’ve got you covered. Of course, you could also take a day trip to hike in the mountains, swim in the ocean, or take in the sights in Washington, DC. The choices are endless.
Lisa K. Brath, MD
Program Director, Pulmonary-Critical Care Fellowship
Email: lisa.brath@vcuhealth.org