Education
At VCU, we believe that one of the most effective ways to learn is by teaching others. Our program features a protected, dedicated didactic block every Thursday morning from 8–10 AM. Each week, a resident and attending pair collaborate to lead a session on a topic selected from the latest edition of the CREOG learning objectives. These assignments are scheduled well in advance to allow ample preparation time. Residents are encouraged to present in a format that suits their teaching style—whether it’s a traditional lecture, interactive case-based discussion, or hands-on workshop. To support this process, VCU has developed a unique educational blog that offers curated resources to help residents prepare for their assigned topics and enhance the learning environment for all.
Our residency program includes a structured simulation curriculum designed to enhance technical and procedural skills across all PGY levels. Every Thursday morning, residents participate in a two-hour simulation session led by a dedicated faculty member. Each session is tailored to the specific training level and includes clearly defined objectives, recommended reading, quizzes, and procedural checklists.
At the start of each academic year, interns participate in a comprehensive Intern Boot Camp and Simulation School, which provide foundational training in clinical skills, communication, and emergency response. Throughout the year, residents receive support in preparing for EMIGS (Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery certification and other surgical assessments through targeted simulation modules and faculty mentorship.
One of the highlights of our simulation program is the annual Simulation Olympics—a spirited, team-based competition that brings together residents and attendings for a day of clinical challenges, skill stations, and fun. This event fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and friendly competition while reinforcing core clinical competencies.
Residents are encouraged to develop their own longitudinal research projects throughout the duration of training. As interns, residents are paired with a research mentor to develop a project and identify a study PI based on their subject of interest. Throughout the process, our dedicated residency research committee provides ongoing guidance, troubleshooting support, and mentorship to help residents stay on track and achieve their goals. Our program is also committed to providing financial support for residents who are accepted to present their research at conferences. Each winter, our department hosts the annual Ware Dunn Conference to highlight PGY3 and PGY4 research projects.
Our program has developed a robust robotic surgery training curriculum with the guidance of our Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecology Oncology faculty members. Residents start training to use the robot during simulations as early as PGY1 year. VCU Health has multiple DV5 robots housed in the downtown campus and recently brought a DaVinci robot to our outpatient surgery center! Our simulation center provides after-hour access to modules to hone skills on the robot prior to preparing for surgical cases. Graduates of our program develop all of the components necessary to achieve robotic privileges wherever your career takes you.
During their PGY3 and PGY4 years, our residents undergo mock oral boards with faculty members, designed to provide a realistic experience that helps ease the stress of the actual exam day. In addition, board preparation is integrated throughout the daily rhythm of residency—through M&M presentations, pre-operative conferences, and daily labor and delivery sign-out. Multiple VCU faculty members serve as oral board examiners, offering residents valuable insight and mentorship.
All of our residents meet twice a year with a faculty advisor to discuss their progress through residency and their goals for the future. For those interested in fellowship, our subspecialists are always enthusiastic to lend their support and wisdom throughout the application process. For residents pursuing a career as a generalist—whether in private practice or academic medicine—dedicated advising sessions are held in the second half of the third year to provide personalized guidance on how and when to apply for positions.
Journal Club is held 3–4 times per year and offers a relaxed yet enriching opportunity for residents and faculty to gather outside of the hospital setting. Traditionally hosted at a local restaurant, the evening includes delicious food, a glass of wine, and lively academic discussion centered around recent publications and evolving clinical guidelines. We also collaborate with other specialties—including Maternal-Fetal Medicine—for multidisciplinary journal clubs that foster broader perspectives and interdepartmental learning. These gatherings are a refreshing way to deepen our understanding of the scientific literature that guides our practice, while enjoying time together as a community.