Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Medical Toxicology Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers an intensive two-year training program focusing on the discipline of medical toxicology. This ACGME-accredited program is integrated within the Department of Emergency Medicine and emphasizes clinical excellence, research, education, and training in a collaborative environment.

Since its establishment in 2009, the fellowship has evolved significantly. It first welcomed its fellows in 2011 and has continued to expand its offerings and training opportunities, fostering both personal and professional growth for its participants. Fellows are actively involved in developing the fellowship and enhancing the division's contributions to medical toxicology.

Program Objectives

The fellowship aims to equip graduates with comprehensive skills, allowing them to:

• Provide skilled consultation on clinical toxicology cases.
• Initiate independent practices of medical toxicology.
• Thrive in academic environments.
• Demonstrate outstanding teaching capabilities.
• Manage and provide medical direction for poison centers.
• Conduct cutting-edge research in medical toxicology.

The program's mission revolves around developing clinicians who excel across all domains of medical toxicology, emphasizing the importance of wellness, lifelong learning, and equitable patient care.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum features rigorous core content through:

• Weekly didactic sessions and faculty-led lectures.
• Review of comprehensive articles and relevant textbook chapters.

In the first year, fellows also gain teaching experience through interactions with residency programs, the School of Medicine, and the School of Pharmacy. Opportunities extend to leading simulation labs, small-group discussions, and mock oral board exams. Additionally, the fellows participate in the Emergency Medicine Basic Research Skills (EMBRS) workshop sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

In the second year, fellows take on a more leading role, including conducting teaching rounds at the Virginia Poison Center and engaging more deeply in board preparation activities such as weekly case conferences and journal clubs. The curriculum is flexible, allowing fellows to tailor their education according to their professional aspirations. Elective rotations include:

• Addiction Medicine
• Forensic Toxicology
• Pediatric Critical Care

Formal coursework options like Medical Review Officer training and Advanced Hazardous Life Support (AHLS) are also available.

Clinical Experience

Fellows gain significant clinical exposure through participation in an active consultation service that engages about 250 inpatient and 40 outpatient clinic patients annually. They also lead the medical toxicology clinical rotation, which serves approximately 180 emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric residents each year. The division is committed to continuing education for EMS providers, physicians, and other medical staff, giving over 250 lectures at various venues.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship actively encourages research as a critical component of training. Fellows collaborate with faculty and other scholars in the School of Medicine to engage in innovative projects that aim to enhance patient care within toxicology. Opportunities also exist to delve into various observational studies and clinical trials.

Compensation and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• A base salary of $62,782.
• A professional expense account of $2,500.
• Comprehensive benefits like medical insurance, generous paid time off, and childcare coverage.

Fellows also receive funding to attend key medical toxicology congresses and courses, including the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT) and ACEP courses. Moonlighting opportunities are available, allowing fellows to supplement their income, with total yearly earnings averaging around $95,000 when including moonlighting shifts.

Living in Richmond

Richmond, Virginia, serves as a vibrant yet affordable metropolitan area, providing an excellent environment for work-life balance. With a population of 1.3 million, Richmond boasts diverse neighborhoods filled with cultural experiences, art galleries, and outdoor activities such as hiking, white-water rafting, and cycling. Its location allows easy access to nearby attractions like Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, enriching the fellowship experience further.

Application Process

Applications for the Medical Toxicology Fellowship are accepted through ERAS starting in July. The interview process runs from July to October, with a flexible approach to accommodate applicants' schedules. The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), requiring submission of rank order lists by mid-November. Applications may also be considered after the initial match until December.