VCUHS Inpatient Psychiatry
Division Chair: Anand Pandurangi, M.D.

The VCU Psychiatry Residency offers a rich and varied exposure to inpatient psychiatry at the VCU Health System and several affiliates. The diversity of our clinical programs and faculty allows the resident to have cutting-edge training experiences in both subspecialty and general psychiatry settings. These inpatient rotations occur predominantly in PGY-1 and 2; PGY-4 electives are also available. Faculty attendings bring both clinical and research expertise to their supervisory roles. Assigned services are described below.



Mood Disorders Team (Eli Zaller, M.D.)

This team is specialized for the treatment of a variety of mood disorders, including depression, manic-depressive illness, dysthymia, and others. In addition to standard psychopharmacologic treatment, other interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group and family therapy, and ECT are available. Innovative antidepressant and mood stabilizing drugs are also utilized in the clinical care of patients.

Crisis Stabilization Unit/STAT Team (Rashida Gray, M.D.)

This interdisciplinary treatment team, led by a faculty physician, provides short term stabilization and treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders. There is a particular focus on resolving psychosocial circumstances that may be exacerbating an Axis 1 or Axis II condition. The CSU is a 23 hour observation unit distinct from the inpatient location; the STAT team is an inpatient psychiatric service for patients needing an average of 3-4 days. This service provides trainees with the experience to do rapid crisis assessments of psychiatric patients with an array of diagnoses determine a treatment plan and utilize available social services.

Electroconvulsive Therapy- ECT Service (Veronica Matthews, M.D.)

MCV Hospitals has one of the busiest ECT services in the southeastern United States, currently providing approximately 1,000 to 1,500 treatments a year. About half of these are done on an outpatient basis. The majority of patients are being treated for major depression, but there are many manic and schizophrenic patients as well. Residents rotating through the service are trained to become competent to perform ECT once they graduate.

Geriatric Psychiatry Team (Sultan Lakhani, M.D.)

The geropsychiatry program brings together extensive resources to evaluate and treat older patients with a variety of severe psychiatric illnesses. Patients are generally over age 60 and span a full diagnostic range. Special expertise is available in the treatment of neuro-behavioral syndromes and medical comorbidity; mood disorders; aggressive behaviors in Alzheimer's patients; chronic pain syndromes; poly-pharmacy detoxifications; and mental disorders due to a variety of general medical conditions.

Medical Psychiatry Team (Alexandru Trutia, M.D.)

The medical psychiatry team provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment to patients with a combination of medical and psychiatric diagnoses, including HIV, chronic pain, neurological illness and eating disorders. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary collaboration, our goal is to offer the best integrated biopsychosocial care.

Schizophrenia Team (Alican Dalkilic, M.D.)

This team focuses on the assessment and treatment of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Typical and atypical antipsychotic agents, such as Clozaril, Abilify, Risperidone and others are used to reduce psychosis. Psychosocial and family assessments are performed within 24 hours of admission. In first episode psychosis and late onset psychosis, a full neurological and metabolic work-up is performed. Patients receive individual supportive therapy, medication, education, occupational and recreational therapies. Continuity in care is offered through follow-up in the Partial Program, the Lighthouse Program and the Schizophrenia Clinic.


Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC Inpatient

VAMC Inpatient Psychiatry (Cynthia Maghakian, M.D.,Cheryl Jones, M.D. and Amenra Tuason, M.D.) This 24-bed general psychiatry unit is staffed jointly by three MCV Hospitals psychiatry residents, and offers the opportunity to collaboratively work with a wide range of diagnostic problems. These include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and a variety of "organic" diagnoses. Both psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions are stressed, along with conjoint efforts with social work in evaluating the family system. ECT is also available. The average length of stay is seven to nine days.

VAMC Substance Abuse Service (Jani Theogaraj, M.D) This 20-bed inpatient rehabilitative unit offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with addiction. Residents learn about appropriate pharmacotherapy to detox patients from opiates, alcohol, stimulants, sedatives and mixed addictions; and how to assess, manage and treat patients with dual diagnosis. The importance of a team approach as well as the psychodynamic aspects of addiction are learned through active participation in the inpatient group therapy sessions.


Central State Hospital Inpatient Service

Long-term Psychiatry and Forensic Service (David Albright, M.D. and Daniel Sheneman, M.D.) This team is specialized for the treatment of chronic serious mental illness, especially schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders. The treatment approach is multi-disciplinary, involving psychosocial rehabilitation of the patient in addition to psychopharmacologic approaches. Atypical neuroleptics are used extensively. Opportunities are available for expsure to forensic unit patients. There is comprehensive discharge coordination with local Community Service Boards.