Program Director, Gastroenterology Fellowship

Department: School of Medicine

Dr. Ravi Vachhani is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. As the Program Director for the past 12 years, Dr. Vachhani has made significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology and his fellowship program, demonstrating exceptional dedication as a teacher, mentor, and scholar.

Dr. Vachhani received his medical degree from the Medical College of Ahmedabad in India, and he completed his internal medicine, gastroenterology, and advanced therapeutic endoscopy training at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan. He joined the VCU faculty in 2008 and has been a rising star ever since.

As a leader, he consistently demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to medical education and provides mentorship both personally and professionally. Perhaps his greatest strength is that he continually challenges trainees to grow and learn in a manner that is both inviting and conducive. Dr. Vachhani leads by example. He is well read with the latest literature which helps motivate trainees to strive to be the best clinician that they can be.

As a mentor and educator, Dr. Vachhani possesses the rare but exceptional qualities of having great clinical acumen, compassion, and passion while spreading an infectious energy. He has consistently gone above and beyond to support and guide trainees. He fosters a safe learning climate filled with intellectual curiosity and debate to enhance critical thinking skills and further medical students’, residents’, and fellows’ educational foundation.

He has been recognized both locally and nationally for his excellence as a clinician and medical educator. He is a previous winner of the Leadership in Graduate Medical Education (2018) and earned “Top Gastroenterology Doctor” from Richmond Magazine just last year. The American Board of Medicine presented him with the Extraordinary Performance Award for his work on the ABIM Item-Writing Task Force and this year was named to ABIM’s Gastroenterology Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment Committee.

Ultimately, his ongoing dedication to advancing medical education for trainees through fostering a strong learning climate, holding high standards, creating learning opportunities, and leading by example are what make him the perfect candidate for this award.

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