Residency Training Program

Welcome to VCU Health Internal Medicine! Our mission is simple - to train the well-rounded internist of the future: competent, caring, compassionate and confident in the practice of Internal Medicine. We focus on five pillars of competency in training – clinical, scholarship, teaching, leadership, resilience. By developing the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes in all pillars, our graduates are well-prepared to take their next career steps whether entering practice, pursuing further degrees or training, or entering a specialty. Importantly, our residents will tell you that they are challenged daily in a collaborative and supportive environment. Please explore our website to learn more. We are proud to train the internists of the future and excited to share our innovative program with you.

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Our program is focused on training you as a:

  • Compassionate, caring, confident, competent internist who is able to practice in a variety of settings
  • Skilled educator
  • Reflective practitioner
  • Leader, able to lead teams as well as quality improvement efforts
  • Academic contributor

Clinical

We are proud to train outstanding clinicians. We ensure that all trainees gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide great care to future patients in any setting. We believe that this includes medical knowledge, the knowledge of social determinants of health and how these impact health, advanced physical exam skills, advanced diagnostic reasoning skills, evidence-based medicine knowledge and skills, a focus on high value care, the ability to work within an interprofessional team, and an understanding and application of science – and, most importantly, the ability to bring each of these pieces in an integrated way to the bedside in a patient- and team-centered manner.

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Teaching

We believe all of our residents should graduate as skilled educators in order to better serve their future patients, future colleagues, and future learners. All residents participate in an extensive curriculum to develop these skills. In addition, residents with a strong interest in medical education may participate in our generalist pathway with a focus in medical education. This may include further training and scholarship opportunities in curriculum design and medical education research.

All of our residents participate in a strong curriculum aimed to train them as effective teachers in the clinical and non-clinical arenas. Each resident participates in a two-day off-site teaching retreat during their transition from manager to teacher/leader phase of training.

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Scholarship

Our residents are encouraged take seriously their commitment of contributions to the science and science of education in medicine. We recognize that all residents enter with different experience with research – our program takes provide in ensuring that all of residents have the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to engage in research and scholarship during residency and beyond. During intern year, all interns participate in a scholarship seminar in fundamental skills including but not limited to – developing clinical questions, performing literature searches, scholarly writing, and finding mentors. At the start of second year, all residents participates in a formal course designed to introduce them to key concepts in and resources for research. Each resident designs a study, identifies a mentor, and is allowed 1-2 rotations for research activities. Residents are encouraged to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them as individuals, which may mean clinical, translational or basic science research projects, but may also mean curriculum development, review papers, medical education research, essay writing and more. 

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Leadership

Our residents graduate from our program prepared to lead teams and quality efforts. This occurs through participation in:

  • Formal leadership training sessions, including formal training in teamwork, communication, shared mental models
  • Teacher/leader leadership training “book club” – summer of third year
  • Serving in role of team leader – with focused educational session for PGY2s after the manager phase and focus feedback on role during the teacher/leader phase
  • Completion of IHI modules in leadership and quality
  • Quality Improvement rotation – required of all teacher/leader residents
  • Participation in quality improvement initiatives

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Resilience

We believe that supporting the development of the resilient physician is a critical aspect of training the internist of the future. Our commitment to wellbeing and resilience stems from our core values and resilience is integrated into most of the program structure. Additionally, we recognize the value of having designated time for fostering wellbeing and thus have dedicated training in resilience into our curriculum.

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Pathways

While the Internal Medicine Training Program at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital offers a number of training tracks to fulfill the interests and career plans of our trainees, each individual, regardless of track, receives excellent training in Internal Medicine and, at the completion of residency, is eligible for the American Board of Internal Medicine examination.

Categorical Track (NRMP Program Code: 1743140C0)

The Categorical Track is a traditional track in the Internal Medicine program is designed for those individuals seeking a rigorous training course preparing them for careers in general adult internal medicine or any of its subspecialties.

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Preliminary Medicine Track

Preliminary Medicine Track (NRP Program Code: 1743140P0)

The goal of the preliminary medicine track is to provide a well-rounded one year foundation in Internal Medicine for individuals preparing to enter advanced specialty programs, in a challenging yet supportive environment.  During this year of training, we strive to provide an experience in which each individual feels part of the core team of Internal Medicine trainees.

Structure

  • Fully integrated in the program as an Internal Medicine trainee
  • Rotations designed to give breadth of training in Internal Medicine (in both ambulatory and inpatient settings)
  • Rotations designed to give experience in IM-specific areas pertinent to future roles
  • Parallel experiences to IM trainees
  • Expectations and standards that are consistent with IM trainees
    • Conferences, requirements, experiences
  • Core advisor in Internal Medicine as well as in advanced program
  • Primary difference in training from core IM trainees – no continuity clinic assignment

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Combined Programs

VCU offers three combined programs:

  • Combined Emergency Medicine-Internal Medicine Program (combined 5 years)
  • Combined Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Residency Program (combined 4 years)
  • Combined Internal Medicine Residency(3 years) and Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program (1 year)

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Leadership


Faculty with diverse training experiences and clinical expertise lead our residency training program. Strong leadership defines the reason for our success.

Patricia J. Sime, MD, FRCP

Patricia J. Sime, MD, FRCP

Chair, Department of Internal Medicine

Patricia J. Sime, MD, FRCP

Patricia J. Sime, MD, FRCP

Chair, Department of Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine

Phone: (804) 828-5565

Email: patricia.sime@vcuhealth.org

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J. Christian Barrett, MD

J. Christian Barrett, MD

Associate Chair for Education

J. Christian Barrett, MD

J. Christian Barrett, MD

Associate Chair for Education

Internal Medicine

Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care

Email: john.barrett@vcuhealth.org

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Rebecca Forrest, MD

Rebecca Forrest, MD

Program Director - Residency Training Program

Rebecca Forrest, MD

Rebecca Forrest, MD

Program Director - Residency Training Program

Internal Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

Email: rebecca.miller@vcuhealth.org

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Frank Fulco, MD, RPh

Frank Fulco, MD, RPh

Associate Program Director - VAMC Oversight

Frank Fulco, MD, RPh

Frank Fulco, MD, RPh

Associate Program Director - VAMC Oversight

Internal Medicine

Division of General Internal Medicine

Email: frank.fulco@vcuhealth.org

Thomas Iden, MD

Thomas Iden, MD

Associate Program Director- Recruitment

Thomas Iden, MD

Thomas Iden, MD

Associate Program Director- Recruitment

Internal Medicine

Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine

Email: thomas.iden@vcuhealth.org

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Danielle A. Johnson, MD

Danielle A. Johnson, MD

Associate Program Director - Ambulatory Curriculum

Danielle A. Johnson, MD

Danielle A. Johnson, MD

Associate Program Director - Ambulatory Curriculum

Internal Medicine

Division of General Internal Medicine

Email: danielle.johnson@vcuhealth.org

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Pete Meliagros, MD

Pete Meliagros, MD

Associate Program Director - Procedure Training

Pete Meliagros, MD

Pete Meliagros, MD

Associate Program Director - Procedure Training

Internal Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

Email: pete.meliagros@vcuhealth.org

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Sarika S. Modi, MD

Sarika S. Modi, MD

Assoc. Program Director - Health Disparities & DEI

Sarika S. Modi, MD

Sarika S. Modi, MD

Assoc. Program Director - Health Disparities & DEI

Internal Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

Email: sarika.modi@vcuhealth.org

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Laura E. Paletta-Hobbs, MD

Laura E. Paletta-Hobbs, MD

Associate Program Director - Clinical Competency

Laura E. Paletta-Hobbs, MD

Laura E. Paletta-Hobbs, MD

Associate Program Director - Clinical Competency

Internal Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

Email: laura.paletta-hobbs@vcuhealth.org

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Taylor Pence, MD

Taylor Pence, MD

Associate Program Director- Quality and Safety

Taylor Pence, MD

Taylor Pence, MD

Associate Program Director- Quality and Safety

Internal Medicine

Division of General Internal Medicine

Email: taylor.pence@vcuhealth.org

Alexander L. Rittenberg, MD

Alexander L. Rittenberg, MD

Associate Program Director - Inpatient Medicine

Alexander L. Rittenberg, MD

Alexander L. Rittenberg, MD

Associate Program Director - Inpatient Medicine

Internal Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

Email: alexander.rittenberg@vcuhealth.org

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Richard Sterling, MD, FACP

Richard Sterling, MD, FACP

Associate Program Director - Research

Richard Sterling, MD, FACP

Richard Sterling, MD, FACP

Associate Program Director - Research

Internal Medicine

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Email: richard.sterling@vcuhealth.org

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Core Educators


Core Educators in Internal Medicine are trained in foundational principles in graduate medical education, including evaluation and assessment of the ACGME competencies. These faculty spend significant time coaching residents in professional and personal growth, advising residents with respect to their career and educational roles, and evaluating all residents. Internal Medicine core educators work closely with 2-3 residents per class over the course of the three years of residency. Chief medical residents serve as core educators for preliminary medicine interns. Combined program faculty serve as core educators for combined program residents.  Our Core Educators are:

A Message from the Chief Residents


We are honored to serve as the chief residents for the 2022-2023 academic year. We take pride in the VCU Internal Medicine Residency program and all that it has to offer. The program has a unique tandem block schedule that fosters comradery among resident cohorts and continuity with primary care patients. Our graduates leave the program confident in their clinical skills, made stronger by a ward manager experience in which second year residents work solely with a co-resident and attending. This experience allows for graduated responsibility so senior residents feel more prepared to lead a team. We reduce the harm of fatigue on well-being and patient care by not scheduling residents for any 24-hour shifts. We have yearly retreats that highlight important aspects of being a physician, such as maintaining curiosity in basic science at our physiology camp, becoming more informed about health disparities, and learning how to grow as more effective teachers. We believe the greatest strength of the program are the people we surround ourselves with--the fellows, attending physicians, and program leadership who are devoted to resident wellness and education.

We are also lucky to practice medicine in a city like Richmond. As the largest academic center in central Virginia, we have a diverse patient population and treat rare conditions that require highly specialized care. We also love living in Richmond with its convenient access to the James River, excellent restaurants and numerous outdoor spaces to relax when outside the hospital. It’s no surprise that many residents choose to make it our home after residency without any prior connections to the city.

As chief residents, we come from varied backgrounds that give us our individual skills and interests. From quality improvement experience to interactive conferences, we each have goals for how we want to build on the work achieved by prior program leaders. We are committed to helping our residents grow as skilled and curious clinicians and promoting well-being both in and out of the clinical setting. We are excited to serve as advocates to promote your individual achievements and the collective success of the program. 

VCU Internal Medicine Chief Residents

Reid Alley, MD - Conference Chief
Nikita Chadha, DO - Intern Chief
Joud El Dick, MD - Resident Chief
Emily Rose, MD - Ambulatory Chief
Eric Schafer, MD - Quality and Safety Chief

Residents in our program play an active role in the training program as well as the day-to-day decision-making through monthly housestaff meetings, residency committees and direct contact with chief medical residents and program directors.

Our residents have a variety of backgrounds, origins, and career interests, yet they all share a passion of Internal Medicine.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

In the VCU Internal Medicine Residency Program, we aim to carry forward the VCU GME mission for and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that fostering diversity in Internal Medicine trainees and practicing physicians allows for greater shared knowledge and a broader perspective that ultimately enhances the quality of care we provide to our patients.  Our program strives to create an environment where there is a sense of belonging among a diverse group of teachers, learners, support staff, and patients and that individuals in this community are privy to equitable experiences in all settings.

  • We have a dedicated Associate Program Director with protected administrative and teaching time to run a longitudinal Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities curriculum for Internal Medicine residents.
  • Program leadership, core educators, and the clinical competency committee tailor coaching, informal learning plans, and formal learning plans to the specific needs and backgrounds of each trainee.
  • Residency program leadership and core educators undergo formal training in practices to foster an environment of belonging. Examples include Global Zone training by the Virginia Commonwealth University Global Education Office and Safe Zone training University Counseling.
Meet all of our Residents School of Medicine DEI Resources

Our Residents by the Numbers

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Spotlight

Graduate: Neha Gupta, MD

Dr. GuptaClass of 2022
Current role:  Rheumatology Fellow, Virginia Commonwealth University

Learn more about Dr. Neha Gupta

Graduate: Ramzi Hassouneh, DO

Dr. HassounehClass of 2022
Current role: Gastroenterology Fellow, Indiana University

Learn more about Dr. Ramzi Hassouneh

Graduate: Faten Aqeel, MD

Dr. AqeelClass of 2021
Current Role:  Nephrology Fellow, Johns Hopkins University

Learn more about Dr. Faten Aqeel

Thank you for your interest in the VCUHS Department of Internal Medicine Residency Program. For more information on the application and interview process, please click on the following applicant resources.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Department of Internal Medicine’s residency program.

Content coming soon!

Catherine Good

Catherine Good - Residency Program Coordinator

Key Roles: Scholarship, data tracking systems, verification's and graduates
Phone: (804) 828-5163
Email: catherine.good@vcuhealth.org

Henry Lewis

Henry Lewis, III - Sr. Residency Program Coordinator

Key Roles: Recruitment, onboarding, intern point coordinator, website and social media support
Phone:  (804) 828-5161
Email: henry.lewis@vcuhealth.org

Ashley Montoute, Administrative Assistant
Key Roles: Reception, Office communications, Chief Medical Resident Support
Email: imea@vcuhealth.org
Phone: (804) 828-9726

Patricia Walker, Office Manager
Key Roles: Administrative assistant to Program Directors; Finances; Supplies
Email: patricia.walker@vcuhealth.org
Phone: (804) 828-9727