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.

   

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

Amanda L. George, MD, PhD

Amanda L. George, MD, PhD

Associate Program Director-Generalist Pathway Dir.

Amanda L. George, MD, PhD

Amanda L. George, MD, PhD

Associate Program Director-Generalist Pathway Dir.

Internal Medicine

Division of General Internal Medicine

Email: amanda.george@vcuhealth.org

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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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Tim Johnson, MD

Tim Johnson, MD

Associate Program Director - Ultrasound Curriculum

Tim Johnson, MD

Tim Johnson, MD

Associate Program Director - Ultrasound Curriculum

Internal Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

Email: timothy.v.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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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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Eric Schafer, MD

Eric Schafer, MD

Associate Program Director- Quality and Safety

Eric Schafer, MD

Eric Schafer, MD

Associate Program Director- Quality and Safety

Internal Medicine

Division of General Internal Medicine

Email: eric.schafer@vcuhealth.org

Cory Trankle, MD

Cory Trankle, MD

Associate Program Director - Research

Cory Trankle, MD

Cory Trankle, MD

Associate Program Director - Research

Internal Medicine

Division of Cardiology

Email: cory.trankle@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

Chiefs 2023On behalf of our entire program, we want to extend our warmest greetings and welcome you to Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University! It is our honor to serve as Chief Residents and guide the next generation of medical professionals through their training and beyond.   

We are delighted to share more about our program and the unique opportunities it offers. One of the highlights of our curriculum is our innovative "tandem-block" schedule. This schedule allows for improved continuity in our outpatient clinics, ensuring that you have the chance to build strong, long-term relationships with your patients. Additionally, it provides a better work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. Our program is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, and we are particularly proud of our subspecialty inpatient services, where you will have the chance to deepen your understanding of complex medical conditions under the guidance of experts. Our vibrant and multicultural community attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As a result, you will encounter a wide range of patients with varying medical needs, which will provide you with invaluable experiences and prepare you to excel in a culturally competent and inclusive healthcare environment.  

What truly distinguishes our program is the incredible community of people at VCU. From the moment you step onto our campus, you will be greeted by a welcoming culture that embraces diversity and fosters collaboration. The camaraderie amongst the hospital staff is exceptional, creating a supportive and enriching environment for all. Whether it's the attendings, fellow residents, or ancillary staff, you will find everyone approachable and eager to help you succeed. We practice a learner-manager-leader model, where residents are entrusted with increasing levels of responsibility over time. We understand that the transition to residency can be challenging, and we strive to make it as smooth as possible for our incoming interns.  

Richmond, the city we call home, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. At the heart of our city lies the beautiful James River, offering scenic views and recreational activities for all to enjoy. You will have the opportunity to explore the city's outstanding restaurants, boasting a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes. If you're a fan of craft beer, our city is also home to numerous breweries that offer unique and flavorful creations. Richmond also hosts various festivals and concerts that showcase our vibrant arts and culture scene.  

As you embark on your journey in medicine, we encourage you to consider our Internal Medicine Program at VCU. Here, you will find an exceptional education, a supportive community, and a city that will captivate you with its charm. We are confident that our program will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become a well-rounded and compassionate physician. 

VCU Internal Medicine Chief Residents

Tony Coppola, MD – Quality and Safety Chief  
Ann Forrest, DO – Resident Chief  
Sara Kwiatkowski, DO – Intern Chief  
Eric Ott, MD – Ambulatory Chief  
Pat Willard, DO – Conference 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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Resident: Virginia Lindley, MD

Dr. LindleyClass of 2024
PGY 4

Learn more about Dr. Virginia Lindley

Resident: George Avetian, MD

Dr. AvetianClass of 2025
PGY 2

Learn more about Dr. George Avetian

Resident: Eric Batista, DO

Dr. BatistaClass of 2026
PGY 1

Learn more about Dr. Eric Batista

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.

Resident graduate tracking

fellowship tracking

Eve Birmingham

Eve Birmingham - Sr. Residency Program Coordinator

Key Roles:  Accreditation, Evaluations, and Curriculum
Phone:  (804) 828-9726
Email: eve.birmingham@vcuhealth.org

Catherine Good

Catherine Good - Sr. Residency Program Coordinator

Key Roles: Scholarship, data tracking systems, verifications and graduates
Phone: (804) 828-9726
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) 828-9726
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