Program Overview
Summary of Residency Program
The VCU Department of Psychiatry offers a comprehensive residency program designed to train future mental health professionals. With a strong emphasis on both brain science and therapeutic training, residents benefit from a supportive learning environment. The program is committed to fostering compassionate, adaptable physicians through hands-on clinical experience and mentorship. Residents have access to a diverse patient population, engaging research opportunities, and a vibrant community in Richmond, all contributing to a well-rounded residency experience.
Specialty Competitive Score:
Low Competition
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Program Details
Specialty
Psychiatry
IMG Friendly (Y/N)
Yes
IMG Friendly (detail)
The VCU Department of Psychiatry provides information related to International Medical Graduates (IMG) in its application process. Specifically, it notes that for international medical graduates, U.S. or Canadian medical school clinical rotations or externships of direct patient care within the U.S. or Canada will suffice. However, clinical observer experiences and non-clinical graduate work such as research do not meet the patient care requirement. This indicates that the program may be IMG-friendly by accepting applicants who have completed relevant clinical rotations in the U.S. or Canada.
Categorical Positions
15
Categorical Positions (detail)
The VCU Department of Psychiatry provides a residency program with four years of training, but the exact number of categorical residents was not specified.
Program Website
Address
501 N. 2nd St., Suite 400B, Box 980308, Richmond, VA 23219
Program Director
Bushra Shah, M.D.
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Current Residents
Overview
Currently, the VCU Psychiatry residency program has 45 residents enrolled, including first-year and more senior residents across its four-year training path. The resident cohort is diverse, with backgrounds from various medical schools, enhancing the learning experience through a rich exchange of perspectives and expertise.
PGY-1 MD
15
PGY-1 DO
PGY-1 IMG
5
Curriculum & Education
Overview
The curriculum for PGY-1 includes intensive clinical supervision divided into six months of off-service rotations (internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, pediatrics) and six months on inpatient psychiatry. The entire residency program allows flexibility to meet graduation requirements while pursuing individual interests and includes protected didactic and supervision time throughout the four years.
Application
Starting October 2023, applicants can apply through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Application requirements include ERAS application, minimum passing score on USMLE or COMLEX Steps 1 and 2, medical school performance evaluation letter, official transcript, three letters of recommendation (including one from a supervising psychiatrist), and documentation of a minimum of three months of direct patient care activity in the U.S. or Canada. Interviews for select applicants occur from mid-October through January, conducted virtually.
# of Locations
Residents will work at multiple sites including VCU Medical Center and Richmond VA Medical Center (VAMC).
Fellowship
The VCU Department of Psychiatry offers various fellowship opportunities, including Addiction Medicine Fellowship, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, and several other subspecialty rotations. Recent graduates have pursued fellowships in forensic psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and community psychiatry, indicating a range of post-residency career paths available in affiliated institutions.
Resident Life
Overview
A uniquely challenging and supportive residency program that offers compassion, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
On Call Schedule
Our three night float positions provide much of the on-call coverage for our VCU Medical Center inpatient and emergency psychiatry services and the VA Medical Center psychiatry service. Residents on night float work approximately 11-hour shifts for two to three four-week blocks. Weekend call: 11-12 call shifts divided over six on-service blocks (approximately 24 weeks). Evening short call: Average once per week while on service for PGY-1. Weekend call for PGY-2: 20-21 call shifts over the year; Evening short call: Average once per week while on inpatient services. PGY-3 Weekend call is approximately 10 shifts over the year; Evening short call: Average once every two weeks. PGY-4 has no call requirements.
# of Years of Program
The program is designed to be conducted over a total of 4 years.
Housing
Housing options were not detailed in the provided text.
Alumni
Alumni of the program have pursued a variety of career paths, including inpatient psychiatry at VCU, fellowships in consultation-liaison psychiatry and public psychiatry, and some have entered private practice. Class of 2024 has alumni in various fellowships, including forensic psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry fast track programs. Recent graduates have found roles in community hospitals and academic positions, often across diverse settings such as Yale and the University of Maryland.
Salary & Benefits
Benefits Overview
Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Life insurance, 15 calendar days annual vacation, 30 calendar days annual sick leave, Tuition assistance, Fully paid meals on call, Subsidized parking.
PGY-1 Salary
Vacation
Residents are entitled to 15 calendar days of annual vacation and 30 calendar days of sick leave per year as part of the benefits for residents.