Rashida H. Woods, M.D.
VCU/VCUHS Leadership in Graduate Medical Education “LGME” Award for Fellowship Program Director
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Department: School of Medicine
Dr. Rashida Woods graduated from Hampton University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She continued her education at Meharry Medical College, earning her Doctor of Medicine in 2007 and completing a general pediatrics residency at Baylor College of Medicine – Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston in 2010. Following residency, Dr. Woods spent two years as a critical care transport physician and sedation provider. During that time, she discovered a deep interest in pediatric emergency medicine, which led her to pursue fellowship training at University Hospitals Case Western Reserve University – Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, completing the program in 2015. After fellowship, Dr. Woods joined VCU as an Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine (SOM) and attending physician in the Pediatric Emergency Department at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. She was recently promoted to Associate Professor. Her clinical work centers on high-acuity pediatric care, and she’s especially passionate about improving systems and stroke care for children – a commitment that earned her recognition as one of Richmond Magazine’s “Top Docs.” Since arriving at VCU, Dr. Woods has taken on numerous leadership roles including medical director of quality improvement and patient safety for the division of pediatric emergency medicine and team lead of the pediatric stroke task force. She currently serves as Program Director for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship, where she’s led curriculum redesigns and strengthened core faculty engagement by empowering faculty to create curricula.
A committed educator and mentor, Dr. Woods teaches learners across the spectrum – from EMS providers to medical students – delivering lectures on pediatric stroke, trauma, airway management, and second victim syndrome. Her dedication to education extends to her own growth: she’s completed several teaching and leadership development programs and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on leadership. Her approach to teaching is grounded in creating spaces where learners feel seen, supported, and empowered. Outside the hospital, Dr. Woods is actively involved in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Emergency Medicine. She serves on multiple committees focused on education, recruitment, and engagement. She was recently elected Chair of the Emergi-Quiz case-based competition and co-chairs the Opportunity and Engagement Committee for the Virginia AAP. She also volunteers her time to lead skills workshops for prospective students through various programs offered by the VCU SOM.
Notable nomination portfolio quotes:
Dr. J. Moll (Vice Chair of Education) ~ "Assuming the director role from its founder is no small challenge, but Dr. Woods was from the beginning engaged, dedicated, and creative in this role. She was able to expand opportunities for the PEM fellows and worked to further define their roles and opportunities."
S. Fleming (Senior GME Program Coordinator, EM Clerkship and Shadowing Coordinator) ~ “Dr. Woods exemplifies dedication to the continued growth of the РEM Fellowship Program, its trainees, coordinator, and staff. She encourages professional development, promotes learning opportunities, and supports the importance of well-being. Dr. Woods continues to be an excellent role model and valued team member to our program and department.”
Dr. F. Petruzella (Chief, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine) ~ "She inherited a young program that was in many ways searching for its identity and has revamped and solidified it into an absolutely integral part of our division. In looking at the criteria listed in the nomination form, I can honestly think of no one who fits these descriptors better than Rashida. Her leadership and mentorship style is very much one of collaboration and empowerment, as well as fierce advocacy for her learners."