Current residents' thoughts about VCU & Richmond,
in their own words:

Dali Danelisen
PGY-4
Chief Resident
"Throughout my residency, I have found the department to be open and accepting of new ideas from residents. We're encouraged to voice our concerns and make critical input that shapes the department. Not just the chief resident leads the residents; we have numerous leadership opportunities on our resident run committees."

Jason Grove
PGY-4
"What I like about my residency as fourth year is the broad selection of electives. We have advanced electives in hypnosis and brain stimulation modalities. I also appreciate having the opportunity to practice psychotherapy in special population groups. The supervision and mentorship for these diverse activities is provided by active, well-known, and accessible experts in their field."

Jen Fischer
PGY-3
Junior Chief Resident
"I applied to many programs in this region but VCU was the one that had the pieces that I was looking for.  We are in an academic center with a wide variety of types of patients that we are exposed to. We have world renowned faculty that we actually get to work with. We have a strong child psychiatry program. We have incorporated other treatments into their daily practice - like pet therapy with dogs on the inpatient units. Additionally, we have a strong commitment to providing excellent psychotherapy training."

Tamara Helfer
PGY-3
Junior Chief Resident
"For me, one of the best features of our program is our faculty.   My supervisors and attendings are constantly supporting my decisions while challenging me to become a better physician.   Coupled with a diverse patient population, VCU is an excellent place to become a well-rounded, competent psychiatrist."

Sean Pustilnik
PGY-3
Junior Chief Resident
"After attending VCU for medical school, I already knew about the strength of our program in terms of expert faculty who are amazing educators.  What I have learned as a resident is the depth of clinical experience and the opportunity to treat patients with diverse clinical pictures in the inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and crisis stabilization settings.  Specialized rotations in child psychiatry, ECT, state hospitals, and consult liaison psychiatry gave me early experience with multiple different practice styles by my second year when I was also beginning to carry several of my own long term psychotherapy patients.  The range of well rounded experiences has given me confidence that I could arrange my future practice in any way I choose and be a competent and skilled psychiatrist."

Jaclyn Crawford
PGY-2
"VCU is the academic hospital for the city of Richmond. As part of the only level-one trauma center in central Virginia, patients come from far & wide for VCU's expertise. We get a wonderfully diverse patient population, from the indigent to college students to working professionals and everyone in between! Being here in the heart of Richmond, you are in a vibrant city, but downtown feels a little cleaner and safer than some of the larger east coast cities."

Louie Nardelli
PGY-2
"I feel that VCU is a cutting-edge residency program, offering treatments like transcranial stimulation. Our attendings are phenomenal and not just the big names, like Dr. Kendler and Dr. Levenson. All of the attendings are so knowledgeable and supportive. They're always available for a teaching moment."

Kim Woodyard
PGY-2
"I was drawn to VCUHS due to the strength and national reputation of the Consult Liaison Psychiatry Department and fellowship. Additionally, the Internal Medicine residency and training at VCUHS is extremely well respected. These two factors directly shaped my decision to pursue my education at VCU Department of Psychiatry, and I have not been disappointed! The faculty is exceptional!"

David Freeman
PGY-1
"As a new resident in VCU's psychiatry program and a resident of the city of Richmond for only a short time, I would consider myself blessed to have found a place where I already feel at home. The support and camaraderie of the entire staff only adds to the excellent psychiatric training."

Anne Richardson
PGY-1
"Beyond the stellar aspects of the residency program itself, I love living in Richmond. It's wonderful to discover all the clever areas of Richmond, like Carytown and Shockhoe Bottom. There are modern areas mixed with historic sights. We're nestled in the heart of Virginia's capital which is alive with history. The hospital is just across the street from the governor's mansion and Capitol Square, which makes a great place to take a break for lunch!"