Curriculum Overview
The program for the M.D. degree is divided into four phases.
M1, The Scientific Foundations of Medicine, occupies the first year of Medical School from August until May. This emphasizes foundational knowledge required to be able to understand the structure, function and pathophysiology of the different organ systems. In the second semester, students will study Hematology Oncology, the Musculoskeletal Systems,Gastrointestinal System and Metabolism, Endocrine and Reproduction Systems.
The second phase, M2, occupies the second and third semesters of medical school and is called the Applied Medical Sciences. This is a multidisciplinary integrated curriculum in which students will learn the normal structure and function of each organ system integrated with the pathophysiology of disease and treatment strategies. Following a summer break, students return for the M2 phase which includes the Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Renal Systems and Mind, Brain and Behavior (Behavioral Science and Neuroscience). The next phase is the Core Clinical Concentrations in which students will rotate through the various clerkships of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Surgery. This phase will run from April until the following May. The final phase lasting from May until graduation is the Advanced Clinical Concentrations which includes Acting Internships, an Urgent Care elective, a teaching requirement and an integrated Clinical Care experience. The remainder is open for electives at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and its affiliated sites and at approved medical schools elsewhere in the USA and abroad.
The curriculum is viewed as a dynamic and evolving entity, and course titles, content or duration of emphasis may be subject to modification for the sake of improving the learning experience.
Each course in M1 and M2 is designed and implemented by a faculty committee, and each phase of the curriculum is supervised by a faculty coordinator.
M1 Curriculum
Overview
M1, The Scientific Foundations of Medicine, occupies the first year of Medical School from August until May. This emphasizes foundational knowledge required to be able to understand the structure, function and pathophysiology of the different organ systems. In the second semester, students will study Hematology Oncology, the Musculoskeletal Systems,Gastrointestinal System and Metabolism, Endocrine and Reproduction Systems.
MS1
- Scientific Foundations of Medicine:
- Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
- Principles of Physiology
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Infection and Immunity
- Foundations of Disease
- Practice of Clinical Medicine
- Physician, Patient and Society
- Population Health and Evidence Based Medicine
M2 Curriculum
Overview
The second phase, M2, occupies the second and third semesters of medical school and is called the Applied Medical Sciences. This is a multidisciplinary integrated curriculum in which students will learn the normal structure and function of each organ system integrated with the pathophysiology of disease and treatment strategies. Following a summer break, students return for the M2 phase which includes the Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Renal Systems and Mind, Brain and Behavior (Behavioral Science and Neuroscience).
MS2
- Applied Medical Sciences
- Marrow and Movement
- Marrow
- Movement
- Glands and Guts
- Gastrointestinal
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Reproduction
- Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal
- Cardiovascular
- Pulmonary
- Renal
- Mind, Brain and Behavior
- Neurosciences
- Neurology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Marrow and Movement
- Quality & Safety
- Geriatrics
- Practice of Clinical Medicine
- Physician, Patient and Society
- Population Health and Evidence Based Medicine
M3 Curriculum
Overview
During the third year, students receive clinical training by rotating through the various hospitals and ambulatory services. This clinical experience is supplemented by didactic presentations on practice related topics. All students participate in the following clerkships:
- 1. Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
- 2. Surgery (8 weeks)
- 3. Pediatrics (6 weeks)
- 4. OB/GYN (6 weeks)
- 5. Psychiatry (4 weeks)
- 6. Neurology (4 weeks)
- 7. Family Medicine (4 weeks)
- 8. Ambulatory Clerkship (4 weeks)
M4 Curriculum
Overview
M4 is an elective year, with 232 electives offered. Each elective is four weeks long.
The School of Medicine, in an effort to serve best the needs and goals of the individual student, offers M4 students the option of choosing electives during the majority of their senior year. The elective curriculum has been arranged primarily to allow those students who have definite goals to pursue them logically without adherence to a required curriculum. At the same time, it allows those who have not yet defined their goals an adequate assortment of electives with which to explore career options. Where standard elective choices seem too limiting, students are encouraged to approach individual faculty members to develop courses that more closely approach individual needs.
The year is divided into eleven four-week periods.
The electives catalog is available on the Web.
The USMLE Policy:
- 1. All students are required to take U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 prior to the start of the M3 year. Students are required to pass Step 1 for promotion to the M4 year. If a student fails Step 1, he/she will be allowed to complete their current M3 clerkship and be required to take time off during the M3 year in elective status to study for and retake the exam. The time off will be individualized for each student after discussion with the curriculum office and approval by the promotions committee.
- 2. All students are required to take U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 CK and CS for the first time after completion of their M3 year or by October 1. Students are required to pass USMLE Step 2 CK and CS for graduation. Students who do not pass Step 2 CK or CS within one year of completion of all other requirements for the M.D. degree will be dismissed from school.
If you are a student at another institution and are interested in participating in an elective at Virginia Commonwealth University, please contact Hayley Mathews, Visiting Student Coordinator, Hayley.mathews@vcuhealth.org
How to Apply
Apply to the VCU School of Medicine MD Program
Below is the process an applicant must complete in order to be accepted at the VCU School of Medicine.
- Step One: AMCAS Application
- Step Two: Supplemental Application
- Step Three: Screening
- Step Four: Interview
- Step Five: Admission Offer
- Step Six: Acceptance and Deposit
Visit the MD Admissions site for more information on how to apply to the VCU School of Medicine MD Program.
Learn moreContact Us
Office Address
Office of Medical Education
VCU School of Medicine
Physical Address: McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E Marshall St., 4th Floor
Mailing Address: Box 980565
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0565
Phone: 804-828-9790
Fax: 804-828-5115

Luan Lawson
Sr. Assoc. Dean, Med. Education & Student Affairs

Luan Lawson
Sr. Assoc. Dean, Med. Education & Student Affairs
Office of Student Affairs
Email: luan.lawson@vcuhealth.org
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Christopher Woleben, M.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
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Christopher Woleben, M.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Office of Student Affairs
Phone: 804-828-9791
Fax: 804-828-5115

Susan DiGiovanni, M.D.
Assoc. Dean for Quality Improvement & LCME Stds.

Susan DiGiovanni, M.D.
Assoc. Dean for Quality Improvement & LCME Stds.
Medical Education and Student Affairs
Phone: 804-828-9790
Fax: 804-828-0086
Email: susan.digiovanni@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 4th floor, Curriculum Office

Nicole Deiorio, M.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Nicole Deiorio, M.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Office of Student Affairs
Phone: 804-828-9201
Fax: 804-828-5115
Email: nicole.deiorio@vcuhealth.org

Diane Biskobing, M.D.
Associate Dean for Pre-Clinical Medical Education

Diane Biskobing, M.D.
Associate Dean for Pre-Clinical Medical Education
Office of Medical Education

Sarah Hobgood M.D.
Assistant Dean for Clinical Medical Education

Sarah Hobgood M.D.
Assistant Dean for Clinical Medical Education
Office of Medical Education
Email: michael.ryan1@vcuhealth.org

Lelia Brinegar, EdD
Assistant Dean for Medical Education

Lelia Brinegar, EdD
Assistant Dean for Medical Education
Office of Medical Education
Email: lelia.brinegar@vcuhealth.org

Thasia Lewis
Medical Education Manager, M3 Clinical Education

Thasia Lewis
Medical Education Manager, M3 Clinical Education
Office of Medical Education
Email: thasia.lewis@vcuhealth.org

Kathy Naneyshvili
Med Ed Coordinator, Preclinical and Special Events

Kathy Naneyshvili
Med Ed Coordinator, Preclinical and Special Events
Office of Medical Education

Autumn Griffin
Med. Ed. Coordinator, Preclinical Education

Autumn Griffin
Med. Ed. Coordinator, Preclinical Education
Office of Medical Education
Email: autumn.griffin@vcuhealth.org

Hayley Mathews
Med. Ed. Coordinator, VSLO, Ambulatory Clerkship

Hayley Mathews
Med. Ed. Coordinator, VSLO, Ambulatory Clerkship
Office of Medical Education
Email: hayley.mathews@vcuhealth.org

Summer Pearce
Med. Education Coordinator, M4 Clinical Education

Summer Pearce
Med. Education Coordinator, M4 Clinical Education
Office of Medical Education

Linda Costanzo, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the Dean of Medicine

Linda Costanzo, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the Dean of Medicine
Medical Education Curriculum Office
Liaison for Students
Phone: 804-828-7559
Fax: 804-828-7382
Email: linda.costanzo@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
Sanger Hall 3-038e
Box 980551

Katelyn Williams
Med Ed Coordinator, Longitudinal Curriculums

Katelyn Williams
Med Ed Coordinator, Longitudinal Curriculums
Office of Medical Education
Financial Support, Tuition & Fees
Full-time MD Program Students can apply for financial aid
Contact the VCU School of Medicine Financial Aid Office for information on financial aid.
VCU School of Medicine Financial Aid OfficeHonors Day
The School of Medicine seeks to recognize the academic and personal achievement of medical students.
The annual Kinloch Nelson, M.D. Student Honors Day provides a forum to honor students in all classes for their exemplary work in courses and clerkships. Additionally, student recipients of scholarships and the generous donors are recognized at this event, as well as new members of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
In 1968, Kinloch Nelson, M.D., the Dean of the School of Medicine, combined the programs of the American Medical Student Association and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society with the presentation of honors to students for academic achievements. Today, our program honors students in all classes for academic and personal achievement. Additionally, we honor both student recipients and the generous donors who provide important scholarship support and recognize Alpha Omega Alpha inductees.
Awards and Recipients
Molecular Basis of Health and Disease | Mariya Husain
Principles of Physiology | Moon-Jun Brian Kim
Principles of Autonomics and Pharmacology | Gurjas S. Bajaj
Immunity and Infection - Aubrey H. Straus Award | Gurjas S. Bajaj
Foundations of Disease | Eric E. Curtis
Physician, Patient, and Society | Sean M. Aubuchon
Population Health and Evidence-Based Medicine | Davis Y. Kim
Practice of Clinical Medicine | Gurjas S. Bajaj
Coleman Brantley Scholarship | Gurjas S. Bajaj
Cardiovascular | Noopur S. Tripathi
Pulmonary | Saahil Sanon
Renal | Armita Kabirpour
Mind, Brain, and Behavior | Matthew T. Carr
Marrow | Hameeda A. Naimi
Movement | Malcolm E. Vaught
Gastrointestinal and Metabolism | Matthew T. Carr
Endocrine | Matthew T. Carr
Reproduction | Matthew T. Carr
Physician, Patient, and Society | Debolina Banerjee
Population Health and Evidence-Based Medicine | Michael A. Klemm
Practice of Clinical Medicine | Matthew T. Carr
A.D. Williams Award | Matthew T. Carr
Edith E. and Hugo R. Seibel Award for Excellence in Gross Anatomy | Megan A. Barrett
Family Medicine Excellence Award | Scott A. Muffly
Internal Medicine - William Branch Porter Award | Joseph A. Wiener
Neurology | Austin M. Oberlin
Obstetrics/Gynecology - Daniel Crooks Award | Kelli M. McFarling
Obstetrics/Gynecology - Eric Schelin Award | Amanda W. Hayes
Pediatrics - Elizabeth Joanne Harbison Memorial Award | Michelle D. Wagner-Merrion
Pediatrics - Lee Sutton Award | Stephanie C. DeMasi
Psychiatry | Kelli M. McFarling
Surgery | Amanda W. Hayes
A.D. Williams Award | Rakhi Melvani
Practice of Clinical Medicine M4 Co-Leader Teaching Award for Class of 2020 | Christina M. Page & Luke C. Spangler
Practice of Clinical Medicine M4 Co-Leader Teaching Award for Class of 2021 | Rebecca F. Clemo & Janina Vaitkus
Merck Manual Award | Ameya A. Chumble, Emily K. Datyner, Kelli M. McFarling, & Ashley E. Rogers
Dr. Sidney B. Barham Scholarship | Joseph A. Wiener
Dr. Rosemarie Teresa Greyson-Fleg and Dr. Jerome Louis Fleg Fund | Sydney L. Davis
Michael M. Kannan Pediatrician Teaching Award and Student Scholarship | Ariel P. Nash
Eleanor and Paul Kent Scholarship | Margaret G. Woodward
Dr. Nancy B. King Memorial Fund | Elliot W.A. Morgan
Dr. Henry Clay Smith Memorial Award | Courtney D. Dawson
Frank S. Trani Memorial School of Medicine Scholarship Fund | Margaret S. Barton
Dr. Elbert P. Whited Scholarship | Thomas W. Neal & Jennifer L. Ware
William Winston, M.D. Scholarship | Catherine DeTeresa
Hertzberg Scholarship | Angie M. Molina
Kenneth S. Kendler Award for Excellence in Pre-Doctoral Research | Ashlee A. Moore
Lindon J. Eaves Award for Excellence in Post-Doctoral Research | Lance M. Rappaport
I2CRP Award | Kelli M. McFarling, Alisa M. Olmsted, Adam A. Robinson, Alexandre D. Schloe
James D. Popp Summer Research Fellowship | Kelly McCoy
Robert C. Bryan Prize in Pathology | Ameya A. Chumble
MCV Alumni Association of the VCU Award | C. Trammel Cox
Alpha Omega Alpha Inductees
Susan DiGiovanni, M.D., Councilor | William M. Cregar, President | Olga Mutter, Vice-President
Justin Anderson
Scott Muffley
Ameya Chumble
Adam Robinson
Bryce Clinger
Ashley Rogers
Joseph Conduff
Carl Rudebusch
Emily Datyner
Robert Simmonds
Siva Devarakonda
Michelle Vy
Janet Lee
Jennifer Ware
Kelli McFarland
Joseph Wiener
Rakhi Melvani
Faisal Aslam
Andew Lyell
Jonathan Barrett
Rebecca Maddux
Karen Brown
Ross Pallansch
Vernon Forrester
Ekta Patel
Elizabeth Jaworski
Jessica Regan
Timothy Keating
Jonathan Sorah
Mary Keith
Leah Towarnicky
Nasir Khatri
Ryan Wyatt
Nicholas Leverone
Dr. Emma Fields
Dr. Robin Foster
Dr. Eiman Nabi
Dr. Derek Leiner
Dr. Jonathan DeAntonio
Dr. Gerald Feldman
Course Directors and Coordinators
Course Directors and Coordinators
Course Directors and Coordinators
Assistant Dean for Medical Education M1/M2 | Dr. Diane Biskobing | Phone: 804-827-8436 | Room Number: MMEC 4-220
Assistant Dean for Medical Education M3/M4 | Dr. Michael Ryan | Phone: 804-828-4589 | Room Number: MMEC 4-216
Interim Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs | Dr. Susan DiGiovanni | Phone: 804-827-1743 | Room Number: MMEC 4-220
Associate Dean for Student Affairs | Dr. Christopher Woleben | Phone: 804-828-9791 | Room Number: MMEC 4-218
Assistant Dean for Curriculum | Dr. Lelia Brinegar | Phone: 804-828-9790 | Room Number: MMEC 4-227
Scientific Foundations of Medicine | Dr. John Bigbee | Phone: 804-828-0948
Molecular Basis of Health & Disease | Dr. Robert Diegelmann | Phone: 804-828-9677
Ms. Virginia Pallante | Phone: 804-628-4079 x129
Principles of Physiology | Dr. Clive Baumgarten | Phone: 804-828-4773
Principles of Autonomics & Pharmacology | Dr. Edward Ishac | Phone: 804-828-2127
Infection & Immunity | Dr. Kim Jefferson | Phone: 804-828-9699
Foundations of Disease | Dr. Kimberly Sanford | Phone: 804-828-2745
Marrow & Movement | Dr. Susan Roseff | Phone: 804-828-0255
Hematology-Oncology | Dr. Susan Roseff | Phone: 804-828-0255
| Dr. Christian Barrett | Phone: 804-828-9723
Musculoskeletal | Dr. Beth Rubinstein | Phone: 804-828-3355
Glands & Guts | Dr. Diane Biskobing | Phone: 804-827-8436
Gastrointestinal & Metabolism | Dr. George Smallfield | Phone: 804-828-9159
| Dr. Scott Matherly | Phone: 804-828-9170
Endocrine | Dr. Diane Biskobing | Phone: 804-827-8436
| Dr. Cynthia Yazbeck | Phone: 804-628-5513
Reproduction | Dr. Sarah Milton | Phone: 804-628-7023
| Dr. Nathan Webb | Phone:804-828-1809
Circulation, Respiration & Excretion | Dr. Clive Baumgarten | Phone: 804-828-4773
Cardiovascular | Dr. Edward Lesnefsky | Phone: 804-828-8885
Respiratory | Dr. Marjolein de Wit | Phone: 804-828-9071
Renal | Dr. Anna Vinnikova | Phone: 804-828-2328
Mind, Brain & Behavior | Dr. Jozef Bledowski | Phone: 804-828-4570
| Dr. Raymond Colello | Phone: 804-828-2262
| Dr. Elizabeth Waterhouse | Phone: 804-828-9583
Practice of Clinical Medicine | Dr. Kimberly Pedram | Phone: 804-828-6791
| Dr. Alice Wong | Phone: 804-828-6791
Physician, Patient & Society | Dr. Mark Ryan | Phone: 804-628-3239
Population Health | Dr. Marjolein de Wit | Phone: 804-828-9071
Family Medicine | Clerkship Director: Dr. Melissa Bradner | Phone: 804-828-9626
| Coordinator: Ms. Erin Van Vleet-Jester | Phone: 804-827-3555
Medicine | Clerkship Director: Dr. Steven Bishop | Phone: 804-828-9726
| Coordinator: Ms. Gilda Harris-Howard | Phone: 804-628-3260
Neurology | Clerkship Director: Dr. Elizabeth Waterhouse | Phone: 804-828-9940
| Coordinator: Ms. Terrolyn Hughs | Phone: 804-828-9940
OB/GYN | Clerkship Director: Dr. Fidelma Rigby | Phone: 804-828-1809
| Coordinator: Ms. Marta Vincente | Phone: 804-828-1809
Pediatrics | Clerkship Director: Dr. Clifton Lee | Phone: 804-828-9603
| Dr. Marieka Helou | Phone: 804-828-9605
| Coordinator: Ms. Dawn Landschoot | Phone: 804-828-9603
Psychiatry | Clerkship Director: Dr. Cheryl Al-Mateen | Phone: 804-828-3296
| Coordinator: Ms. Kim Bertram | Phone: 804-828-1453
Surgery | Clerkship Director: Dr. Gretchen Aquilina | Phone: 804-827-1032
| Dr. Santosh Kale |
| Coordinator: Ms. Salem Glenn | Phone: 804-827-1032
Ambulatory Care | Clerkship Director: Dr. Bennett Lee | Phone: 804-828-5162
| Coordinator: Ms. Katedra Mitchell | Phone: 804-827-1270
Year-Out Program for Biomedical Research
There are a number of medical students who have had significant research experience in college and/or the years before attending medical school. Many of them are interested in careers in academic medicine but do not want to participate in the M.D./Ph.D. Program. In addition, many students are interested in clinical and translational research rather than in pure basic science. In response to these needs, the School of Medicine has created a program in which a medical student can take a year off from medical school after either the M2 or M3 year and do research. At the end of this time a Master's Degree will be awarded. The details are as follows:
Year-Out Program for Biomedical Research
A full year of time dedicated to research under the mentorship of research-active faculty
Student would receive instruction in the responsible conduct of research, participate in journal clubs, develop presentation and writing skills and take limited appropriate coursework
The year would take the form of existing master's degree programs in the basic sciences or the proposed master's degree in Clinical Research. The student cohort would enroll as full-time graduate students in the appropriate M.S. program
One student will be chosen each year and the process will be competitive and highly selective. Students would apply at the end of either the M2 (more focused on basic science research) or the M3 (focus on clinical research) year and return to M.D. training at the normal start of M3 or M4 respectively. Elective time in M4 might be used to complete M.S. degree requirements.
The School of Medicine would provide a stipend of $15,000 and pay applicable fees and tuition. Full-time enrollment in the graduate school ensures that loan payback deferrals remain in place.
In lieu of preparing a formal thesis, students will write up their year's work as a manuscript suitable for submission to an appropriate journal. A degree will not be awarded until this requirement has been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the faculty mentor/advisor.
All students interested in applying to the program should fill out the application and either e-mail it to Georgia Straton or bring it to her in Sanger Hall, Room 1-055D. All applications must be submitted by March 15 of the spring before the year-out will take place. A panel will consider all of the applications and inform those who have been accepted by April 1.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) is a comprehensive, year-long research enrichment program designed to attract talented medical, dental, and veterinary students to the intramural campus of the NIH in Bethesda, MD to engage in a mentored basic, clinical, or translational research project that matches their professional interests and career goals. For questions, contact us at MRSP@mail.nih.gov