About the Program

Our supportive, collaborative residency program provides training in both routine and complex patient care, the latest advancements in diagnosis, treatment and prevention and opportunities for innovative, impactful research. We specialize in preparing residents to be competent OB/GYN providers who are ready for independent practice from the moment they graduate.

With unparalleled access to OB/GYN specialists and subspecialists, advanced equipment and facilities and a diverse patient population, residents learn and participate in care related to:

Our Mission

To train skillful, compassionate and adaptable OB/GYNs who provide culturally competent and evidence-based medical and surgical care to meet the needs of our diverse patient population in a variety of clinical settings.

Message from our Program Director

[VCUSOM MftD] - Message from our Program Director

Message from our Program Director

As experts in training the next generation of providers across the broad spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology, our department will provide you with a robust and comprehensive education. From didactics, simulation and research mentorship to hands-on experience with our extensive clinical and surgical training, we pride ourselves in preparing you for a successful career as a skilled and compassionate OB/GYN physician.

You’ll work alongside upper-level residents and our dedicated faculty, who will take every opportunity to help you build a solid foundation in obstetrical and gynecological practice. By the time you are in your final year of training, you will be ready to perform surgeries independently and will have the opportunity to teach your fellow residents in the operating room and on labor and delivery. Upon graduation, you will be more than prepared for whichever career path you choose, whether it is as an academic specialist, subspecialty fellow or a private practice physician.

Interested in becoming a part of VCU’s next cohort of obstetrics and gynecology residents? Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, and we look forward to meeting you!

Nicole W. Karjane, M.D.
Residency Program Director
Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System

COVID-19 Impacts

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a very real impact on how we practice medicine, but our faculty and staff are dedicated maintaining the integrity of the residency program. Our case volume has remained consistent and residents continue to learn in the operation rooms, labor and delivery and clinic settings, along with gaining additional experience in managing patients via telehealth.

We continue to follow the suggestions of VCU Health’s COVID response team and we take wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) seriously. Our didactic sessions have transferred to Zoom, and they remain interactive learning opportunities during protected time for residents to learn.

Learn more about VCU’s COVID-19 guidelines

We understand that each resident’s needs and goals are different, and thus go out of our way to support individuals on their unique trajectory. Our approach to comprehensive, well-rounded residency training includes the following:

  • PGY-1: $59,920
  • PGY-2: $61,591
  • PGY-3: $63,808
  • PGY-4: $66,298

Benefits for residents include the following:

  • Three weeks paid vacation, with an additional time off at either Christmas or the new year
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Confidential stress and counseling resources
  • Cost-shared meals when working, fully paid meals on call

Learn more about housestaff benefits

The Department of OB/GYN reaffirms the core values of human dignity and of mutual, unconditional respect, and we acknowledge our responsibility to condemn racism and all forms of discrimination.

Electives and Training Opportunities

  • Global Acute Care and System Strengthening (ACCESS) Program: The School of Medicine developed a four-year longitudinal program for students and residents interested in providing acute care for patients in low-resource settings.
  • Racial Literacy for Health Care Providers: In 2020, the VCU School of Medicine invited Brenda Pereda, M.D., an OB/GYN at the University of New Mexico Hospital, to hold mandatory training sessions with faculty and residents to improve cultural awareness. We consider this a required part of becoming a competent physician and will continue to offer similar trainings in the future.

We prioritize the care and support of underserved patients across myriad subspecialties, with focuses on the following areas:

Read more about the School of Medicine’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

The VCU Department of OB/GYN participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and prospective residents can apply using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

All applicants must be within four years of graduation from medical school or direct patient care activity, either as an independent practitioner or as a trainee.

Requirements

  1. Completed ERAS application submitted to the VCU School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology no later than Dec. 19, 2020
  2. Official medical school transcripts and letter from the dean of your institution
  3. Letter of recommendation from the chair of your institution’s OB/GYN department
  4. At least three letters of recommendation from faculty who have worked closely with you in medical school (can include the chair’s letter)

International applicants must also provide documentation of at least three months direct patient care activity in the U.S. or Canada within the last four years.

Interviews

We conduct resident interviews from November to early January. In adherence to travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19, the Department of OB/GYN will conduct all interviews virtually. Because the number of interviews will be limited, we encourage you to complete the application process as early as possible.

Life in Richmond

We encourage our residents to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and Richmond, affectionately known as RVA, is a wonderful place to engage in that well-rounded lifestyle. As the capital of Virginia since 1779, Richmond attracts students, faculty and staff from around the globe.

Richmond provides stimulating activities while maintaining its intimate feel and unique vibe. Vibrant neighborhoods offer distinct, diverse experiences, with no shortage of art galleries, museums, music venues, restaurants, breweries and parks. For the outdoor enthusiast, you can’t beat the offerings in the city’s riverfront parks and urban wilderness areas such as white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking and festivals.

Learn more about living in RVA

Chief Residents/PGY-4

Natalie Eisenach, M.D.

Natalie Eisenach, M.D.

Natalie Eisenach, M.D.

Natalie Eisenach, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of Kansas

Alena Hoover, M.D.

Alena Hoover, M.D.

Alena Hoover, M.D.

Alena Hoover, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Georgetown University

Mariana Martinez, M.D.

Mariana Martinez, M.D.

Mariana Martinez, M.D.

Mariana Martinez, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Cole Messersmith, M.D.

Cole Messersmith, M.D.

Cole Messersmith, M.D.

Cole Messersmith, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: George Washington University

Amy Hazzard Moore, M.D.

Amy Hazzard Moore, M.D.

Amy Hazzard Moore, M.D.

Amy Hazzard Moore, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Elizabeth "Liz" Pinkerton, M.D.

Elizabeth "Liz" Pinkerton, M.D.

Elizabeth "Liz" Pinkerton, M.D.

Elizabeth "Liz" Pinkerton, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Wake Forest University

Assistant Residents/PGY-3

Hannah Allen, M.D.

Hannah Allen, M.D.

Hannah Allen, M.D.

Hannah Allen, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Caitlin Hauser, M.D.

Caitlin Hauser, M.D.

Caitlin Hauser, M.D.

Caitlin Hauser, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Marissa Holden, M.D.

Marissa Holden, M.D.

Marissa Holden, M.D.

Marissa Holden, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles, Geffen School of Medicine

JayCee Kline, M.D.

JayCee Kline, M.D.

JayCee Kline, M.D.

JayCee Kline, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine

Niurka Monteserin, M.D.

Niurka Monteserin, M.D.

Niurka Monteserin, M.D.

Niurka Monteserin, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Janina Pearce, M.D.

Janina Pearce, M.D.

Janina Pearce, M.D.

Janina Pearce, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Junior Assistant Residents/PGY-2

Katelyn Edel, M.D.

Katelyn Edel, M.D.

Katelyn Edel, M.D.

Katelyn Edel, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Pennsylvania State University

Morenike Olu, M.D.

Morenike Olu, M.D.

Morenike Olu, M.D.

Morenike Olu, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Howard University

Caroline Shadowen, M.D.

Caroline Shadowen, M.D.

Caroline Shadowen, M.D.

Caroline Shadowen, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Jasmine Shah, M.D.

Jasmine Shah, M.D.

Jasmine Shah, M.D.

Jasmine Shah, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: West Virginia University

Taylor Taliaferro, M.D.

Taylor Taliaferro, M.D.

Taylor Taliaferro, M.D.

Taylor Taliaferro, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of Texas - Austin

Courtney Woods, M.D.

Courtney Woods, M.D.

Courtney Woods, M.D.

Courtney Woods, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Interns/PGY-1

Jessica Amero, M.D.

Jessica Amero, M.D.

Jessica Amero, M.D.

Jessica Amero, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Katherine Klein, M.D.

Katherine Klein, M.D.

Katherine Klein, M.D.

Katherine Klein, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Samuel Kraus, M.D.

Samuel Kraus, M.D.

Samuel Kraus, M.D.

Samuel Kraus, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Tyler Morgan, M.D.

Tyler Morgan, M.D.

Tyler Morgan, M.D.

Tyler Morgan, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine - Peoria

Laurne Terasaki, M.D.

Laurne Terasaki, M.D.

Laurne Terasaki, M.D.

Laurne Terasaki, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Ayesha Yakubu, M.D.

Ayesha Yakubu, M.D.

Ayesha Yakubu, M.D.

Ayesha Yakubu, M.D.

Department of OB/GYN

Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Allison Dubinsky
Residency Program Coordinator
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Box 980034
Richmond, Virginia 23298
(804) 828-8614
allison.dubinsky@vcuhealth.org