Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program in Infectious Diseases, located in Richmond, offers a comprehensive training program focused on equipping residents with essential knowledge and skills in the management of infectious diseases. This program is housed within the Division of Infectious Diseases, which is staffed by eighteen dedicated faculty members who provide clinical care across a broad spectrum of infectious processes.

An integral part of the training experience involves the active participation of housestaff in consultation services, working alongside attending physicians, fellows, medical students, and clinical pharmacists. These services are crucial for enhancing clinical skills and involve direct patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Clinical Rotations and Services

The program offers extensive exposure to various infectious disease conditions through two major consultation services at VCU Medical, which include general infectious diseases and transplant infectious diseases. Additionally, residents gain experience at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and have the opportunity to manage cases in outpatient clinics such as consultation, HIV, and Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinics.

Clinical consultations cover a broad range of infectious conditions including but not limited to:
• Bone and joint infections
• Endocarditis and vascular infections
• Meningitis and CNS infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Fungal infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Tropical diseases
• Hospital-acquired infections
• HIV infections
• Antibiotic-resistant infections (e.g., MRSA)
• Fever of unknown origin
• Mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis and MAC
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Infectious diarrhea, and fecal transplant for Clostridium difficile
• Preparation for international travel
• Outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Research Opportunities

The program prides itself on its commitment to research, allowing residents to engage in various investigations supervised by faculty specialists. Research areas of focus include healthcare epidemiology, antimicrobial pharmacoepidemiology, staphylococcal pathogenesis, and HIV clinical trials. Collaborations with the VCU School of Pharmacy and the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health enrich the research environment.

Housestaff are encouraged to design and participate in clinical trials and are actively involved in ongoing research projects ranging from global health initiatives to studies on antimicrobial resistance.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program's unique aspects include a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary team-based care, involving medical students and clinical pharmacists. This collaborative model enhances the learning experience and prepares residents for a multifaceted approach to patient care.

Residents also benefit from extensive mentorship opportunities, particularly in research and academic roles, allowing them to develop a range of skills necessary for future leadership positions in the field.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program welcomes candidates from various backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The program's competitiveness is noteworthy, with a strong focus on attracting candidates who demonstrate a commitment to the field of infectious diseases.

Special application requirements may include considerations related to year of graduation, number of attempts on examinations like the USMLE, and other academic prerequisites.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support, allowing for sponsorship of J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international residents. This ensures that qualified candidates from around the world can benefit from the training provided by the program.

Training Sites

Training occurs at multiple sites, including the VCU Medical Center, which is known for its advanced clinical and research facilities. Additionally, the program's partnership with the Richmond VA Medical Center allows for exposure to a unique patient population that enriches the infectious diseases training experience.