About the Program

Offering a comprehensive educational experience, the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Polytrauma Fellowship takes place at the VA Medical Center, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) and VCU Medical Center.

We accept one fellow per year, providing rich clinical and academic exposure across the brain injury spectrum in inpatient, transitional and outpatient care. Our program provides training in the following areas:

• Diagnosis and classification of various types of brain injury
• Pathophysiology of the brain injury and affected body systems
• Clinical decision making and management of traumatic and atraumatic brain injury
• Pain interventions
• Spasticity management
• Assistive technology
• Cognitive behavioral management strategies for patients with brain injury
• Disorders of consciousness

Rotations:

VA Inpatient: 4 months

VCU and VA Outpatient: 3 months

• Post-deployment TBI clinic
• Concussion clinic
• General TBI clinic

VA Residential: 4 months

VCU Inpatient and Consults: 1 month

vcu.pmr.education.programs@vcuhealth.org

Salary and Benefits

PGY-5 Salary

Vacation
15 days per year 

Moonlighting
Discouraged, but allowable within departmental policy

Call schedule
Maximum of five weeks of call; holiday weeks split between all fellows in the Department of PM&R

How to Apply*

Candidates for this fellowship must have graduated from an accredited residency training program in the field of PM&R, neurology, psychiatry or neurosurgery and be board-eligible or certified in their respective specialty. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in TBI rehabilitation and research, along with professional-level interpersonal and communication skills.

Prior to beginning the fellowship, a physician fellow must meet the following requirements:

• Have completed a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Bureau of Professional Education
• Have an active, unrestricted license to practice in the U.S.
• Be board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties or AOA
• Be a U.S. citizen or possess a current visa suitable for participation
• International medical graduates must possess a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certificate
• Demonstrate interest in pursuing a VA career with polytrauma or TBI as a significant focus

*Not currently accepting fellowship applicants, ACGME accreditation pending