The Division of Child Neurology accepts one resident each year for a categorical residency training program.

Led by Dr. Ewa Way, the Child Neurology Residency Program allows increasing patient-care responsibility across three years of training. During the first year, emphasis is on the foundations of clinical neurology, primarily bedside anatomic localization and clinical diagnosis. 

The modern clinical neuroscientist must be well-versed in the most up-to-date technical neurodiagnostic procedures, and all trainees will gain expertise through daily conferences and mandatory clinical rotations. 

Elective opportunity in pediatric neurological rehabilitation is also available. National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded and university-funded programs provide lab-based and clinical research for senior-level residents. 

The residency offers organized clinical neuroscience teaching opportunities with the possibility for significant elective time. Residents complete their first two years of training in VCU’s Department of Pediatrics before joining the team in the Division of Child Neurology for the remainder of the five-year program. Upon completion, successful residents will be eligible for board exams in both pediatrics and neurology. 

Regular didactic engagements include basic neuroscience, clinical neurophysiology, neuro-ophthalmology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, child neurology and resident care presentations. Grand rounds accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education occur once a week and include a variety of topics and speakers. 

Each of the 13-blocks is four weeks in duration

PGY-3: 

Child Neurology inpatient and clinic: 7.5 blocks  

Adult neurology (inpatient wards, night float, outpatient clinic): 7.5 blocks  

Electroencephalogram (EEG): 1.5 blocks

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PGY-4:

Child Neurology inpatient and clinic: 5 blocks 

Adult Neurology (consult, outpatient clinic, neuro-ophthalmology): 5 blocks 

Neuropathology: 1 block 

Electives: 2 blocks  

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PGY-5: 

Child Neurology inpatient and clinic: 4 blocks 

Child Psychiatry: 1 block 

Electives: 8 blocks

 

Residency positions begin July 1 of each year, with an application deadline of December 1 the prior year. This program is categorical and only requires applicants to apply to our child neurology program – a separate application to pediatrics is not required. 

The Division of Child Neurology participates in the National Resident Match Program (NRMP) and accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

  • Additional application materials include: 
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) with the applicant’s e-mail address and phone number 
  • Personal statement 
  • NRMP number 
  • Official medical school transcript 
  • Test scores 
    • USMLE (must pass – no minimum score) 
    • COMLEX (if applicable)
    • TOEFL (if applicable – minimum score 600)
    • CSA step 2CS (if applicable) 
    • TWE (if applicable) 
  • Notarized copy of visa (if applicable – VCU can only sponsor J-1 clinical visas) 
  • Letters of recommendation: A minimum of three U.S. or Canadian physicians who know the applicant’s clinical skills and have worked with the applicant during the past two years (must be originals; no electronic copies) 

Applicants to the child neurology residency must successfully complete the prerequisit training outlined by the American Board of Pediatrics. 

After acceptance and prior to joining the program, applicants must provide a list of rotations completed during prerequisite training. This document, on letterhead from the institution where training was completed, must arrive no later than July 15. 

Applicants who plan to complete this training at another institution must ensure it meets American Council for Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology requirements.  

Ewa M. Way, M.D.

Ewa M. Way, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Program Director, Child Neurology Residency Program

Ewa M. Way, M.D.

Ewa M. Way, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Program Director, Child Neurology Residency Program

Department of Neurology

Division of Child Neurology

Phone: (804) 828-7929

Email: ewa.way@vcuhealth.org

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Kelsey Schneider

Kelsey Schneider

Fellowship Coordinator

Kelsey Schneider

Kelsey Schneider

Fellowship Coordinator

Education Department

Phone: (804) 828-0100

Email: Kelsey.Schneider@vcuhealth.org

Mehreen Shahid, D.O. - PGY-5

Child Neurology Residents - Mehreen Shahid

Mehreen Shahid, D.O. - PGY-5

Mehreen Shahid (she/her) grew up in Northern Virginia. She went to undergrad at the University of Virginia and attended medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. Mehreen is interested in pediatric strokes and plans on doing a fellowship in the subspecialty, after her residency. She says her favorite part of the residency program is being able to care for the underserved patient population. Mehreen also likes how close the Child Neurology Faculty members are to one another and their dedication to teaching. Mehreen is particularly interested in pediatric neuro-immunology and is planning to apply for a fellowship in that subspecialty after her residency.” In her spare time, Mehreen enjoys trying out new coffee shops and restaurants, which she says the Richmond area has an incredible selection.

Miranda Creasey, M.D. - PGY-4

Child Neurology Residents - Miranda Creasey, MD

Miranda Creasey, M.D. - PGY-4

Miranda (she/her) was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She is a double Hokie, having completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech and medical school at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Miranda’s research areas of interest include neurodevelopment, traumatic brain injury, and psychosocial determinants of health in neurological disorders. She decided to join the VCU Child Neurology team because of the strong sense of community fostered her and desire to be closer to her family and friends. In her spare time, Miranda enjoys going to shows around Richmond, Saturday morning farmer’s markets, reading, kayaking, game nights, and spending time with friends, family, and her two very sweet pups.

Prateek Sharma, D.O. - PGY-3

Child Neurology Residents - Prateek Sharma, DO

Prateek Sharma, D.O. - PGY-3

Prateek (he/his) was born and raised in Madison, WI. He went to undergraduate at University of Wisconsin-Madison and Des Moines University for medical school. Prateek’s interests in neurology include both general adult and pediatric neurology as well as neuromuscular, headache, and sleep medicine. He was drawn to VCU Child Neurology because he felt like there was an unmatched camaraderie within the program, and that he would get a chance to treat a diverse population of patients. Prateek enjoys exploring the wide variety of restaurants in Richmond as well as walks along the James River. He also enjoys cooking, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren Gebhardt, D.O. - PGY-2

Child Neurology Residents - Lauren Gebhardt, DO

Lauren Gebhardt, D.O. - PGY-2

Lauren (she/her) was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She majored in Neuroscience and Classical Studies at the College of William and Mary and then completed her medical degree at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Lauren’s research areas of interest include neurodevelopment and neuromuscular disorders. She chose to join the VCU Child Neurology program due to the opportunities to work closely with providers who specialize in neuromuscular disorders and research as well as the strong community between faculty, residents, and other health care providers at VCU. In her free time, Lauren enjoys trying new restaurants around the city and spending time with her family, friends, and co-residents.