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

Anne Richardson PGY-III

“I chose VCU because of the location, city and comfort that I felt here when visiting.  Richmond is a historic city with culture and I have loved my past 3 years here.  I feel the biggest strength of the program is the support that faculty and administrations provide residents.  The program director, and all of his assistants, will "go to bat" for us; which is a huge sense of security.  The in-house moonlighting system is also a great advantage that VCU offers licensed residents.  I am enjoying my 3rd year and the psychotherapy world, where the experience is enriched with extremely knowledgeable supervisors.”

Dr. Sulman Mirza PGY-I

“From the first day of orientation, I felt an overwhelming sense of hospitality and family from the program staff, and the senior residents. Especially regarding the transition from becoming a medical student to a resident, I never felt alone in the process, and the constant support from everyone has been instrumental in giving me the confidence to be able to be a better clinician. From the attendings walking me through how to effectively work the EMR, to taking time out of their personal schedule for teaching opportunities, to the 4th year residents overseeing our first few admissions and guiding us through the process of writing those notes, we were very well taken care of, and looked after.”

Dr. Shivan Desai PGY-II

“When I first started at the program I was told by the residents that I would be well prepared by the time I graduated.  Although only a second year resident, I can already appreciate the force behind that statement.  We not only see a wide variety of patients through the inpatient unit and emergency department, but also while rotating through Eastern State Hospital, ECT service, and consultation liason service.  The program also prepares us for outpatient management by having residents start psychotherapy during the second year that is continued throughout the residency program.  All of the faculty and staff are very supportive and foster an environment that is conducive for learning.  I have no doubt that with the number of patients seen and the support and guidance from the faculty and staff I will be able to tell future residents the same statement."