About the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program

This combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics training program has been in existence at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (formerly Medical College of Virginia) for several decades. It was ACGME accredited prior to March of 1983, and has remained since that time. This two-year program accepts up to two residents into the program per year. Those trained from 1983 onward have all passed their ABAI certification exam. 

Mission
Our mission is to prepare specialists who are well rounded in Allergy & Immunology. These specialists will not only provide expert medical care for patients with allergic and immunologic disorders, but also serve as consultants, educators; being critical in interpreting medical research in asthma, allergic, and immunologic diseases. 

Duration
The ACGME accredited Allergy & Immunology training period is typically two years in duration, with the exception of the ABIM or Pediatric research tracks, which would extend time in the program to fulfill research requirements. Also, some trainees have been granted, at their request, an additional year of research training beyond the two years of clinical training that enabled them to sit for the certification exam. 

Program Certifications
The VCU Health Allergy & Immunology fellowship program is fully accredited by the ACGME. 

Welcome from the Program Director

Welcome from the Program Director

Welcome from the Program Director

Welcome to the VCU Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Training Program. Virginia Commonwealth University (formerly Medical College of Virginia) has long-standing history of providing excellent clinical care to our patients. The combined adult and pediatric allergy training program provides unique experience in training our next generation of allergists and immunologists. We serve patients from Commonwealth Virginia as well as from other areas of the country with remarkable diversity.

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Overall training is roughly divided into 50% direct patient care, 25% scholarly activity and research, and 25% educational activities. All fellows are adequately trained in system-based practices, professionalism, and patient care, advancement of their medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, and practice-based learning.

Curriculum

Conferences

Vacation Time
Each fellows is allowed three weeks of vacation per year.

Night Coverage
Allergy and Immunology fellows do not take in-house call.  Fellows take night call and urgent clinical care questions from home.

Weekend Coverage
Fellows, when on call over weekend, will see new consults at VCU during the day, staffed with attending physician on service.

GME Resident & Fellow Well-Being
Graduate Medical Education training is not easy. With the GME Physician Well-being program, we first and foremost assert our commitment to your well-being, resilience and all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. VCU and VCUHealth are dedicated to ensuring that you have the tools you need to be your best. (Learn more)

All About VCU, VCUHealth, and RVA
First things first. We fondly refer to Richmond as RVA.  People love this city because it’s awesome. And Virginia Commonwealth University is in the middle of it all.  Learn more about VCU, VCUHealth, and RVA!

Wei Zhao, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

Wei Zhao, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

Program Director

Wei Zhao, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

Wei Zhao, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

Program Director

Internal Medicine

Division of Allergy and Immunology

Email: wei.zhao@vcuhealth.org

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View Faculty Expertise Profile

Beth Rubinstein, MD

Beth Rubinstein, MD

Interim - Division Chair

Beth Rubinstein, MD

Beth Rubinstein, MD

Interim - Division Chair

Internal Medicine

Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology

Email: beth.rubinstein@vcuhealth.org

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View Faculty Expertise Profile

Advanvced Practice Providers

  • Donna Mitchell, RN, MS, CPNP

Affiliated Faculty

  • Michael Blumberg, MD
  • Ahmed Butt, MD

Class of 2025

Andrew Van Hersh, DO
Andrew Van Hersh, DO
Medical School:  William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency:  Pediatrics, University of Louisville


Class of 2024

Justin Hsueh, MD
Justin Hsueh, MD
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Residency: Internal Medicine/Pediatrics - University of Maryland


Class of 2023

Dr. Wang
Ban Wang, MD
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University



Alumni

Prerequisite
Prerequisite training consists of completion of a residency in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics that would qualify them to sit for the certification exam of the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics. Selection criteria consists of medical school performance, residency performance, USMLE scores, personal interview, ECFMG certification (if applicable), valid visa/green card/permanent residency card (if applicable) and other accomplishments (e.g., research publications) as considered appropriate. VCU Health System can only support J-1 visas. 

Application
Our Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Training Program participates NRMP match. All applicants use ERAS to apply to the program. Interview dates for 2022 are selected Fridays beginning September through early November. 

Attention:  In support of our applicants, we will be flexible in providing virtual and on-site fellowship interview opportunities.  We understand that applicants may have restrictions on travel during this time.  Our interview schedule may change as we approach the late summer and fall.  We appreciate your patience and understanding; we will absolutely work to accommodate all applicants as best possible during the COVID pandemic. 

Program Director

Wei Zhao, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, FACAAI
Professor and Chief
Division of Allergy and Immunology
Vice Chair for Clinical Operation
Department of Pediatrics
Virginia Commonwealth University
Box 980225
Richmond, VA 23298
Phone: (804) 828-9620
Fax: (804) 628-5856
Email: wei.zhao@vcuhealth.org

Fellowship Coordinator

Cesley Watkins
VCU School of Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
Box 980509
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0509
Phone: (804) 628-4497
Fax: (804) 828-4926
Email: imfellowships@vcuhealth.org