Nicole W. Karjane, M.D.

VCU/VCUHS Leadership in Graduate MedicalEducation “LGME” Award – Program Director Award

This year’s winner of the Leadership in Graduate Medical Education Award, Dr Nicole Karjane, takes time out of her demanding clinical and teaching schedule to co-lead a quarterly reproductive health seminar “Girl Talk” at St. Catherine’s School. She has volunteered her time providing prenatal care in Crossover Clinic and participated in the Richmond Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. All of these activities are on top of her daily responsibilities of overseeing one of the busiest residency programs at the VCU Medical Center.

Dr Karjane completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at VCU in 2004, receiving the “Outstanding Senior Resident Teacher Award” from her department. She joined the faculty as Assistant Professor and became Board Certifi ed in 2006. In 2007, she became a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She also has a joint appointment in the department of Pediatrics. Now an Associate Professor, Dr Karjane took over the role of Program Director for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency in 2012. She has consistently been listed in Richmond Magazine’s “Top Docs” issues for the past four years.

Dr Karjane’s department Chairman, Dr David Chelmow, describes her as “absolutely superb from day one…a star program director… [and] tremendous leader [who] inspires excellence from residents and gets them to perform and learn at their highest level.”

Her current and former residents agree:
“She recognizes when our residents have emotional diffi culties in their lives and makes it a priority to aid us any way she can personally and professionally. One of the most endearing aspects of our program is the ability to safely confi de in others our own personal struggles. I believe this is in large part to the environment Dr Karjane has created.” Amy E. Brown, MD (PGY-3)

“Dr Karjane has been a role model throughout residency, always leading by example… Dr Karjane stays attuned to the social and personal aspects of her residents’ lives in order to better support and mentor her residents… She is also very aware of the requirements of residency and does her best to make sure each resident is progressing at an appropriate pace.” Adrianne Colton, MD (PGY 4)

“Dr Karjane goes above and beyond the role of a clinician and teacher by taking a genuine interest in the lives of her residents in both the personal and professional setting. When acting as attending on the gynecology service she routinely invites the resident and medical student team over to her house for a home cooked meal with her family… I truly believe that her positive energy and endearing love of our program has aided in recruitment of top-notch residents over the last few years.” Jessica Ciaburri, DO (alumni)

Dr Ellen Brock, Medical Director for the VCU Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety sums up Dr Karjane’s merits for this year’s award, saying that her “signature contribution to the residency has been in the area of learning climate. She is simultaneously demanding and supportive of all residents in the program. She exemplifi es the application of good judgment in feedback. She maintains a consistently positive attitude and models generosity in her approach to others. She holds herself to high standards of practice, including life-long learning, evidence-based medicine and surgical excellence. I can think of no better role model for the residents.”