Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Obstetrics and Gynecology Analyst Verified · Sep 18, 2026

Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program is a residency program specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, located in Richmond, Virginia, directed by Nicole Karjane, MD and coordinated by Allison Dubinsky. The program accepts applications through October 1, 2027 and holds an accreditation status of Continued. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (804) 828-8614. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

VCU OB/GYN is the only academic obstetrics and gynecology department in Central Virginia, functioning as a tertiary referral and safety-net center delivering approximately 3,500 babies annually while explicitly prioritizing care for underserved populations and reduction of health disparities across the Commonwealth. The program pairs every resident with an individualized research mentor and PI from day one, supports active basic-science and translational research (reproductive biology, high-risk pregnancy genetics, substance-use disorder, ovarian cancer), and maintains a strong fellowship pipeline (MFM fellowship in-house, plus consistent placements in FPMRS, REI, Gynecologic Oncology, MIGS, and Complex Family Planning). Distinctive structural features include resident-designed call schedules with no 24-hour call, an opt-out (not opt-in) Family Planning rotation integrated across all four years with Planned Parenthood partnership, PGY-4 rotation with a high-volume community gynecologic oncologist, and rapid fulfillment of case/delivery numbers enabling deeper surgical skill refinement. Alumni outcomes show a roughly even split between private/community practice and academic or fellowship-bound careers, reflecting a program that values adaptable, self-directed trainees comfortable managing complex, high-acuity and underserved patients rather than pursuing a single fixed career track.

Who it fits

An applicant whose ERAS narrative centers on serving underserved or medically complex populations within a public academic mission, who has shown early scholarly engagement while remaining flexible toward either community practice or subspecialty fellowship as an eventual outcome.

Research intensity

Moderate - structured individual mentorship and departmental labs exist and are actively encouraged, but outcomes show most graduates entering private or community practice rather than research-heavy academic tracks.

Career orientation

Mixed - Community Practice, Fellowship, Academic Medicine

Important

The Family Planning rotation is structured as opt-out rather than opt-in, meaning all residents are expected to participate in clinical, simulation, and didactic exposure to abortion/family planning care unless they specifically decline particular components.

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