Frequently Asked Questions
Program:
- How do I apply for the Pathology Residency Program?
We are only accepting applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) - What is your Residency application deadline?
November 1 - How many people are interviewed each year by the Pathology Residency Program and how many are accepted?
We interview approximately 45-50 candidates each year for four to five (5) PGY-1 positions. - What is a typical Residency interview day like?
The night prior to the interview, we invite you to a meet and greet with fellow residents and faculty. Light appetizers are provided. This meet and greet will be followed by dinner with some of our current residents.
The day of your interview will begin before 8:00 am and conclude by 4:30 pm.
- Are there any international medical graduates (IMGs) or DOs in your program?
Yes! Currently we have or have had both DOs and IMGs in our residency program. - What are the application requirements for IMGs?
Graduate of a medical school outside the US or Canada approved for listing by the World Health Organization or equivalent accrediting body and possess a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (EFCMG) upon graduation of IMG. - Additional requirements for IMG’s are:
USMLE passage for Step 1 and score of 220 for Step 2.
Pass on the Clinical Skills Assessment (first attempt)
All applicants must have documentation of a minimum of three (3) months of direct patient care activity in the U.S. or Canada in the last four years; clinical observer experiences and non-clinical graduate (i.e. research), do not meet this requirement. - What type of Visa’s are supported?
Only J-1 visa’s are accepted for medical resident positions. - Do you have a cutoff for medical school graduation date?
All applicants must be within 4 years of graduation from Medical School or direct patient care activity (either as an independent practitioner or as a trainee). - What is the call schedule like?
PGY-1 do not take call. PGY 2 and PGY3 take Junior level AP and CP call.
Senior level (pretending) call for AP services and CP call are taken by PGY4 and PGY3 residents (in the latter months of their PGY3 year). Call is taken one week at a time, and PGY3 and 4 years, AP/CP Call may be taken concurrently. Call responsibilities for fellows are specialty specific and will be addressed in greater detail during the interview process. - In the Department of Pathology, what Fellowships are offered?
VCUH Pathology offers six fellowships: Surgical Pathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Hematopathology, Cytopathology, Neuropathology and Forensic Pathology. - Where can I find information about compensation and benefits?
Recent salary scale can be found on our GME website
Read more about Salary and Benefits - What research opportunities are available?
There are numerous research opportunities available ranging from case series write up to translational dash type collaborative projects with clinical faculty to bench research opportunities. - How many program graduates go in to private practice and how many go into Academics?
The percentage is approximately 50% private practice and 50% Academics. - How is the grossing schedule organized?
Surgical Pathology is organized by sub-specialty sign out. Residents rotating on Surgical Pathology will be assigned to gross on one of 4-5 sub specialty grossing benches, for a two-three week period. They will have the opportunity to rotate on all of the sub-specialty benches at least once during each year of residency. - Do residents have their own workspace?
Each resident has their own workspace assigned to them in the Pathology Residency Rooms, located in both Anatomic and Clinical Pathology areas. Fellows are assigned specific workspace in their specialty areas. - What are the ALS and BLS requirements?
None. - Do all rotations take place at the VCUHS campus?
During your PGY3 or PGY4 year, you may do a one month Hematopathology rotation at our local VA hospital. Also during your PGY 3 year, you will have a one month rotation at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, to learn Forensic Pathology.
During your senior year, in addition to in-house elective opportunities, away electives are available (with prior approval from the Director and GME); for example, some residents have chosen electives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or National Institutes of Health. - What medical license options are available for residents and fellows during their training?
The GME Office provides assistance in the coordination for all residents and fellows to get an “interns and residents” license so that they can function during their training. If the trainee wishes to get a full VA Medical License, he/she should keep in mind that the state requires that Part III of the USMLE/COMLEX must be completed and passed in order for a permanent license to be issued. Residents are required to take Part III as soon as they are eligible. Please see the Virginia Board of Medicines website for additional information on medical licenses.
Life
- What kind of housing is available for residents?
The majority of our residents live within a 10 mile radius of the VCUH campus. Popular areas include Carytown, Monroe Park, Church Hill and West Richmond. Some residents have opted for apartment/townhouse living, while others have chosen to purchase a house in the local area. - Do most people commute to work?
The majority of residents drive to campus. - What is the VCUH campus neighborhood like?
VCUH is in the heart of the City of Richmond, Capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are a five minute walk from the State Capitol Building, Library of Virginia, and Governor’s Mansion. Walk an additional 10 minutes, and you are in Shockoe Bottom, known for its restaurants, shopping and nightlife. - Is parking provided and is there a food allowance?
Onsite parking is offered through payroll deduction. Food allowances are assigned by the GME Office based upon work/call schedule hours expected in any given year.