Frequently Asked Questions
At VCU, we are proud to offer a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine, and we have a strong tradition of successful fellowship matches for our residents in subspecialties such as FPMRS, REI, MFM, Gynecologic Oncology, Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Family Planning. Many of our faculty trained at top fellowship programs across the country, bringing a wealth of expertise and mentorship to our department.
Our residents benefit from one-on-one collaboration with subspecialists, gaining hands-on experience in managing medically complex patients and performing challenging surgical cases. This personalized training environment helps prepare our graduates for competitive fellowships and advanced clinical practice.
Richmond is the perfect-sized city - large enough to offer vibrant culture and amenities, yet small enough to feel connected and welcoming. This beautiful river city boasts a wide range of outdoor activities, a dynamic and diverse dining scene, and easy access to both the mountains and the beach and affordable housing options. But what truly sets Richmond apart is its people. The warmth, creativity, and community spirit here make it not just a great place to train, but a place worth calling home.
VCU OB/GYN is expanding! We currently operate three clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical sites, with anticipated growth across several subspecialty divisions including Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM), Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), and Gynecologic Oncology.
Our department is deeply committed to serving the women of Richmond. We continue to strengthen our presence through dedicated clinical care, innovative research, and collaborative departmental committees focused on improving outcomes and advancing health equity and community engagement.
At VCU, our residency program is built on a strong foundation of support, encouragement, and connection. Residents spend meaningful time together outside the hospital, building friendships that extend beyond clinical training. Whether it’s hiking local trails, dining at Richmond’s top restaurants, tubing or walking along the James River, or exploring the city’s renowned breweries and nearby vineyards, there’s always something to enjoy together.
Weekend getaways to Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, or simply relaxing at a co-resident’s home are common. This culture of camaraderie not only enhances wellness but also strengthens the collaborative spirit that defines our program.
Yes! All residents formally rotate on a Family Planning rotation, working closely with our three dedicated attendings in both clinic and OR settings, both at VCU and our local Planned Parenthood. Family Planning is integrated throughout residency via simulation labs, didactics, and clinical exposure. Our program is opt-out, ensuring that no resident is required to participate in any aspect they’re uncomfortable with, while still providing robust opportunities for education and advocacy
From the very start of residency, each VCU OB/GYN resident is paired with a dedicated research mentor, selected based on their individual interests and goals. Our mentors, many of whom hold additional training such as MPH degrees or fellowship experience, guide residents through the process of developing a meaningful research project.
Mentors help residents identify a principal investigator whose expertise aligns with the project’s focus, ensuring strong support and direction throughout the research journey. This structured mentorship fosters academic growth and prepares residents for future scholarly contributions and fellowship applications.
On average, residents work 1-2 call shifts per month. Our program does not utilize 24-hour call shifts. Instead, residents are assigned to either:
- Friday/Saturday night shifts, with protected time off on Friday afternoons prior to call, or
- Saturday/Sunday day shifts, allowing for recovery and balance.
To preserve wellness, residents do not take call while on night float, ensuring protected weekends off.
We strongly value resident autonomy. Each class collaborates to design their own call schedule, allowing flexibility to prioritize meaningful life events outside of training. To support this process, two administrative chiefs are elected annually to oversee scheduling and address any call-related concerns.
At VCU, we believe that frequent, constructive feedback is essential to resident development. Attendings regularly provide real-time feedback during clinical encounters and surgical cases, fostering continuous learning and improvement.
In addition to verbal feedback, we utilize New Innovations to deliver structured, written evaluations. Residents also participate in a 360-degree feedback process, offering anonymous input to both their colleagues and attendings. This culture of open communication and mutual respect helps ensure that every resident receives the guidance and support needed to grow into a confident, capable physician.
Yes! VCU is a bustling academic medical center, delivering approximately 3,000 babies each year. Most residents fulfill their delivery numbers early in training, allowing them to focus on refining their skills. Our growing Oncology, FPMRS, and Gynecology divisions provide ample surgical opportunities, and our graduates are known for being competent, independent surgeons. In addition to surgical training at VCU, PGY-4 residents spend two months operating with a high-volume community Gynecologic Oncologist, further enhancing their experience and confidence.