Fellowship Directors have the unique role of taking a physician who has competed residencytraining and turning him/her into a highly specialized expert. Like residency program directors,they are responsible for recruiting applicants, overseeing the curriculum, safeguarding thewellbeing of the fellows, ensuring the quality learning and work environment, and continuouslyimproving the program. Fellowship directors make sure that the vision and mission of theprogram come to fruition.
Dr. Wills received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and master’s degree in exercisephysiology from the University of Colorado and medical degree from the Kirksville Collegeof Osteopathic Medicine. After completing an emergency medicine residency, including ChiefResident year, at the Akron General Medical Center, he did a fellowship in medical toxicologyat the Cook County Hospital/Toxikon Consortium in Chicago, IL. Dr. Wills joined the VCUfaculty in 2009 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine. He wasappointed Director of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship in 2011 and was promoted to Associate Professor the followingyear.
In his role as Fellowship Director, Dr. Wills has mentored many fellows over the past 11 years who have gone on to takeleadership positions in clinical toxicology at other academic centers. He consistently receives the highest evaluations fromfellows and residents alike for his teaching style and dedication. He has received numerous department teaching awardsincluding the Distinguished Faculty Award, the Tim Evans faculty teaching award, and the Golden Apple Award. In additionto his work within the toxicology fellowship, Dr. Wills also serves as the Chair of the Clinical Competency Committeefor the Emergency Medicine Residency Program. His academic scholarship is impressive with authorship on numerouspeer reviewed publications, book chapters, as well as having given many local, regional, and national presentations. He isa member of the Board of Trustees for the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and serves as a member of theMedical Toxicology Milestones 2.0 Work Group for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Dr. Wills is a regional and national leader in medical toxicology. His commitment and dedication to his fellows is remarkable.