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.
Vision
Residents in the VCU Internal Medicine Training Program are members of and contributors to an academic medical community in which there is a commitment to learning the art and science of medicine while providing the highest quality medical care to a diverse patient population.
Mission
- To produce compassionate physicians capable of delivering the highest quality medical care to patients in a variety of settings.
- To create a collegial and supportive setting for intellectual growth.
- To partner with our housestaff in contributing to the science of medicine through mentorship, research opportunities and dissemination of information.
- To contribute to the science and art of medical education through innovation in training methods.
- To partner with our housestaff in gracefully accepting the challenges of providing care to the medically underserved.
- To promote lifelong learning in the context of a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Values
Our housestaff and faculty are guided in our work by our commitment to:
- Clinical excellence
- Collegiality
- Diversity
- Equity
- Flexibility
- Growth Mindset
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Intellectual curiosity
- Teamwork
- Transparency
Why Choose VCU Health
Training Overview
Learn more about the unique aspects of our program
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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)
Our Team
Residency Training Program
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
Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
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
J. Christian Barrett, MD
Associate Chair for Education
J. Christian Barrett, MD
Associate Chair for Education
Internal Medicine
Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care
Email: john.barrett@vcuhealth.org
Rebecca Forrest, MD
Program Director - Residency Training Program
Rebecca Forrest, MD
Program Director - Residency Training Program
Internal Medicine
Division of Hospital Medicine
Email: rebecca.miller@vcuhealth.org
Frank Fulco, MD, RPh
Associate Program Director - VAMC Oversight
Frank Fulco, MD, RPh
Associate Program Director - VAMC Oversight
Internal Medicine
Division of General Internal Medicine
Email: frank.fulco@vcuhealth.org
Thomas Iden, MD
Associate Program Director- Recruitment
Thomas Iden, MD
Associate Program Director- Recruitment
Internal Medicine
Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine
Email: thomas.iden@vcuhealth.org
Danielle A. Johnson, MD
Associate Program Director - Ambulatory Curriculum
Danielle A. Johnson, MD
Associate Program Director - Ambulatory Curriculum
Internal Medicine
Division of General Internal Medicine
Pete Meliagros, MD
Associate Program Director - Procedure Training
Pete Meliagros, MD
Associate Program Director - Procedure Training
Internal Medicine
Division of Hospital Medicine
Email: pete.meliagros@vcuhealth.org
Sarika S. Modi, MD
Assoc. Program Director - Health Disparities & DEI
Sarika S. Modi, MD
Assoc. Program Director - Health Disparities & DEI
Internal Medicine
Division of Hospital Medicine
Email: sarika.modi@vcuhealth.org
Laura E. Paletta-Hobbs, MD
Associate Program Director - Clinical Competency
Laura E. Paletta-Hobbs, MD
Associate Program Director - Clinical Competency
Internal Medicine
Division of Hospital Medicine
Taylor Pence, MD
Associate Program Director- Quality and Safety
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
Associate Program Director - Inpatient Medicine
Alexander L. Rittenberg, MD
Associate Program Director - Inpatient Medicine
Internal Medicine
Division of Hospital Medicine
Richard Sterling, MD, FACP
Associate Program Director - Research
Richard Sterling, MD, FACP
Associate Program Director - Research
Internal Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
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:
- Erin R. Alesi, MD
- Patrick Fadden (VAMC)
- Sarah Ford, DO (VAMC)
- Frank Fulco, MD (VAMC)
- Graham Gipson, MD
- Dan Grinnan, MD
- Thomas Iden, MD
- Danielle Johnson, MD
- Tim Johnson, MD
- Sejal Kothadia, MD (VAMC)
- Megan Lemay, MD
- Sasha Mangray, MD
- Pete Meliagros, MD
- Grace Prince, MD
- Kris Rao, MD
- Elizabeth Rohrbach, MD (VAMC)
- Gustave Weiland, MD
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
Reid Alley, MD
Conference Chief
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Hey everyone, I'm Reid! I grew up here in Richmond, traveled to the Shenandoah Valley for undergraduate at James Madison University (go Dukes!), then down to Hampton Roads for medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School. My decision to return home for residency was easy after witnessing the vibrant and collaborative culture among residents and the excellent healthcare provided by the hospital to a town very special to me. This city is truly a gem. The culinary scene is outstanding, and I make an effort to check a new restaurant off my list at least monthly. My two energetic Brittany Spaniels enjoy swimming (and rolling in mud) during walks along the easily accessed James River. And you can often find me making weekend trips to the nearby mountains or beaches. After my chief year, I hope to pursue a fellowship in Cardiology.
Nikita Chadha, DO
Intern Chief
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus
Hi everyone, I’m Nikita. I am a Virginia native, as I grew up in Northern Virginia just outside of Washington, D.C. I went to Virginia Tech and love everything maroon and orange. I was instantly drawn to VCU and Richmond during my interview! I met so many amazing people and explored the awesome city and am so happy to be here! Richmond has a lot to offer, everything from restaurants, breweries, festivals, concerts, outdoor activities, and more. I love trying new restaurants and breweries around Richmond; if you need any recommendations let me know! After my chief year, I hope to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology.
Joud El Dick, MD
Resident Chief
Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
I’m Canadian and Lebanese and I went to medical school at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. Growing up, I lived in many different cities including Dubai, Montreal, and Beirut. I moved to Richmond for residency and was thrilled to match here. What I loved the most was the sense of comradery at VCU. I’m happy to be able to spend another year supporting our residents and learning from the amazing people that make up our program. In my free time you can find me exploring the restaurant scene in Richmond or on a pilates matt. After my chief year, I hope to pursue a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology.
Emily Rose, MD
Ambulatory Chief
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
I was born outside of Chicago, but moved around a lot growing up, living in Atlanta, North Jersey, and then Philadelphia. I ventured Midwest to Kenyon College, where David Foster Wallace gave his famous “This is Water” speech. I then worked with AmeriCorps for a year, working in community health, and attended Cooper Medical School in Camden, NJ. I was drawn to VCU because of the people, the excellent clinical experience, and the unique opportunities our program offers, such as the physiology camp. I live just down the hill from the downtown campus with my husband and two cats. In my free time I like to spend time outside, exploring the James River and going hiking out in the mountains. You’ll also find me enjoying Richmond’s great food scene, reading, and traveling. Following chief year, I hope to pursue a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care.
Eric Schafer, MD
Quality and Safety Chief
Medical School: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Until medical school, I grew up in the Raleigh area and went to UNC for undergrad, so I am a huge college basketball fan. Even more than that I follow the Chicago Bulls religiously. I listen to 2 different 1-hour daily podcasts about the Bulls and text frequently enough that they say that I must not have anything else going on in my life. My wife and I also watch all the anime that we can so let me know if you want my top 10 list. I love to eat good food, Peter Chang is my favorite restaurant in Richmond. We have a house on the Southside with 80 plants and a cat who is always desperate for attention. After my chief year, I hope to stay in the area working as a hospitalist and doing process improvement projects.
VCU Residents
Learn more about our residents.
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.
Our Residents by the Numbers
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Spotlight
Graduate: Neha Gupta, MD
Class of 2022
Current role: Rheumatology Fellow, Virginia Commonwealth University
Graduate: Ramzi Hassouneh, DO
Class of 2022
Current role: Gastroenterology Fellow, Indiana University
Graduate: Faten Aqeel, MD
Class of 2021
Current Role: Nephrology Fellow, Johns Hopkins University
Resident Life
Learn more about the resident experience.
The VCUHS GME Website (for residents & fellows) has detailed information about current housestaff salary, contract and benefits. The website also provides links to view information on various policies and overall information about VCUHS and the city of Richmond.
- Intern Welcome Barbeque: Every June, the Program Director hosts traditional southern barbeque to welcome incoming interns and their families during orientation. This casual event is held at the home of a departmental leadership team member or a VCU campus location. This event is known having delicious food, fun games, and warm company. All DOIM core faculty are invited and look forward to getting to know and welcoming the newest housestaff in a relaxed, and fun environment!
- Fall Chili Cook Off: Residents and faculty members bring the heat and the hops at this annual culinary competition! This event is held in the fall at the home of a department leadership member and entertainment has been known to include a bouncey-castle or giant slide, which appeal to the children in everyone. Prizes are awarded for winners in each category- chili, dessert, and beer brewing- but everyone knows the select few chosen for the coveted position of “judge” are the real winners each year!
- Celebration of Excellence: Department of Internal Medicine housestaff and faculty every year eagerly exchange scrubs for cocktail attire during a fancy night out on the town- the annual DOIM Celebration of Excellence. Faculty in the department are celebrated with awards for excellence in research, teaching, scholarship, and mentorship followed by music and dancing to a live band! This event is a highlight for all residents who can’t wait to mark the date on the calendar, whether it is a call day or not! After the formal festivities come to an end, many residents often dance the night away in downtown Richmond.
- Department of Internal Medicine Graduation: We honor graduating Categorical, Med-Peds, and EM-IM residents and graduating fellows each June with ceremony and celebration open to any friends or family who wish to attend. All DOIM faculty and staff are invited and each graduating trainee is recognized with slideshow of photos and messages and is presented with a certificate of completion. Trainees look forward to this night not only for a speech given by one of their own and a slideshow of memories made by the chief residents, but for the chance to celebrate this momentous milestone.
Our location in historic Richmond, the capital of Virginia since 1779, attracts students, faculty and staff from around the globe. Accessible by plane, train, bus and car, our location affords an easy day trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a greater metropolitan population of nearly one million, the city's size provides for stimulating activities, yet its small-town atmosphere offers charm and a big-city feel.
Unique, vibrant neighborhoods in and around Richmond exemplify the diversity of the city and range from historic Church Hill — one of the best preserved 19th-century neighborhoods in the country — to the Fan District, 85 blocks of quaint homes, family-run eateries and eclectic boutiques.
Recognized as the cultural, economic and political focal point of Virginia, Richmond offers a plethora of cultural and recreational opportunities — from viewing the latest art exhibition at one of the city's many museums, to camping, kayaking, white-water rafting, canoeing or caving in the city's 75 riverfront parks and urban wilderness areas.
Below are useful links to life in Richmond, VA:
Apply
Information for Residency Applicants
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.
Application Requirements
Only electronic applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) are accepted for Internal Medicine residency positions. We do not accept any applications that are submitted outside of ERAS.
The following documents are required by our program for your application to be considered for an interview invite:
- Current Photo
- Personal Statement
- Medical School Transcript
- Three Letters of Recommendation including a Chair of Internal Medicine
- Dean’s Letter (MSPE)
- USMLE Step 1 Score Report
- USMLE Step 2 Score Report
Resident Eligibility and Selection Policy
- To be eligible for selection, applicants must apply via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by Dec. 15, 2022, and must be enrolled in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
- Only J1 Visas are accepted for medical residency positions at the VCU Health System. Our institution does not sponsor H-1B Visas.
- All applicants — including those to the preliminary track — must have a dean’s letter (MSPE) and three letters of recommendation, including the medicine chairs’ letter (MIII Clerkship Summary and Recommendation) from U.S. or Canadian physicians.
- All applicants must be within four years of graduation from medical school.
- All applicants must have a minimum of three months of U.S. or Canadian direct patient care activity. Externships must have included direct patient care. Observerships do not fulfill this requirement.
- The selection process stringently evaluates performance on the USMLE examinations, grades in preclinical or clinical courses, letters of recommendation, communication skills and personal qualities.
- Certifying examinations
- All applicants for a residency program at the PGY-1 level must have passed Step 1 and taken Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) or the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME/COMLEX) test.
- Prior to their first day of employment as a PGY-1, all residents must have passed Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE or NBOME.
- The Department of Internal Medicine does not have a minimum score requirement for any examination.
The Department of Internal Medicine Residency Program will hold interviews for recruitment on the dates below. (Note: Dates are subject to change)
Categorical Applicants:
- All applicants will be notified of “invited to interview”, “on-hold” or “not invited to interview” on October 10th (late afternoon). Applicants who are put “on-hold” will be notified of “invited to interview” or “not invited to interview” in early on January.
2022 Interview Dates
- October 31
- November 4
- November 7
- November 11
- November 14
- November 18
- November 21
- November 28
- December 2
- December 5
- December 9
- December 12
- December 16
- December 19
2023 Interview Dates
- January 6
- January 9
- January 13
- January 23
- January 20
Preliminary Medicine Applicants:
All preliminary applicants interviewing with an advanced specialty program here at VCU Health will be contacted in January to schedule an individual Zoom interview with Dr. Rebecca Forrest or Dr. Tom Iden.
All VCU medical students applying to the preliminary program, will have the following dates to choose from for virtual interviews:
2022 Interview Dates
- November 16
- December 14
2023 Interview Dates
- January 11
Categorical
Reception
We invite you to attend a virtual reception the night before your interview. You will have to opportunity to converse with Internal Medicine faculty, residents, and fellows. This is also a great opportunity to meet the Program Director! Details on the reception will be provided to you via email by the program coordinator a week before your scheduled interview.
Interview Day
The interview day will be virtual. You will be emailed a Zoom link within 48 hours of your scheduled interview day.
The interview day will begin at 7:40 AM with an opening greeting from Dr. Miller.
At 8:00 AM, all applicants will join the residents for Inpatient Morning Report.
At 8:35 AM, the applicants will hear from Dr. Patricia Sime, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine.
At 9:00am we will begin our program overview.
At 10:00am following the program overview, applicants will be divided in two groups with Group A participating in 2 interviews with Internal Medicine faculty members and Group B participating in a resident panel. At 11:00 AM, groups A & B will switch.
At noon, the applicants will have a brief wrap up session with Dr. Miller, Dr. Iden, or a chief medical resident and have an opportunity to ask any unanswered questions.
We hope you enjoy your interview day experience! Please direct any follow-up questions or concerns to Henry Lewis (henry.lewis@vcuhealth.org).
Preliminary
All VCU medical students applying to our preliminary program will be invited to attend virtual interviews. The interview day will begin around 1:00 PM will consist of an overview with the program director/associate program director, resident panel, and interview with a chief resident.
All preliminary applicants interviewing with an advanced specialty program her at VCUHealth, will meet with Dr. Rebecca Forrest or Dr. Thomas Iden on the day of the advanced program interview. The applicants will then be contacted in January by the program coordinator, Henry Lewis, to schedule an individual Zoom interview with Dr. Forrest or Dr. Iden.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Recruitment
- Program leadership and interviewers perform a holistic review of applications. In screening applications, we aim to offer interviews to applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Interviewers undergo training in implicit bias and receive reminders to reflect upon identified biases prior to each interview (application)
- Applications filters are applied to hide applicant photos, gender, and self-identified race and from interviewers prior to the interview day
- Interviewers and program leadership assign overall academic score to candidates prior to interview day
- Candidates are invited to a panel discussion with residents and faculty about the DEI at VCU.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about our program.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Department of Internal Medicine’s residency program.
Yes. VCU was established in 1968 out of a merger between Richmond Professional Institute and Medical College of Virginia.
The residency program at the Department of Internal Medicine has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education since 1954.
Yes, residents may elect to participate in an international rotation during PGY2 and PGY3 years. We have a longitudinal health disparities and social determinants of health curriculum in which all trainees participate.
Yes, electives for senior medical students from other medical schools are organized through the VCU School of Medicine Dean's Office.
Yes. We strive early in a resident’s training to identify mentors and research opportunities and each resident is assigned a core advisor the day they start the program. We also have a peer mentoring program in which incoming interns may elect to be paired with a resident mentor based upon self-identified values.
It is 94 percent for a three-year rolling pass rate.
Yes, we pride ourselves on identifying opportunities for research early in a resident’s career. See the recent Scholarship Booklet (June 2022) to view all of our resident’s research accomplishments.
Fifty to seventy percent, depending on the year.
Over the past three years, over 95 percent of our residents successfully obtained a fellowship.
Alumni
Share your latest news.
Content coming soon!
Contacts
Residency Training Program
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, 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