VCU Medical Center physicians recognized as Top Docs in Richmond Magazine survey

By Malorie Burkett

Physicians from the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center achieved high marks from their peers in Richmond Magazine’s latest Top Docs survey.

In addition, a number of VCU Medical Center physicians also were recognized as Best Doctors in America.

In the April issue of Richmond Magazine, 99 full-time VCU Medical Center physicians – the most of any hospital or medical facility in the region appeared on the list. The survey asked 4,188 doctors, chiropractors and podiatrists which specialists in 60 areas of practice they would choose if they or their family needed medical treatment.

“Having our doctors recognized by their peers is a true honor,” said Sheldon Retchin, M.D., CEO of the VCU Health System and vice president of VCU Health Sciences. “The inclusion of our doctors on these prestigious lists also speaks to the superior care our patients receive at the medical center each and every day.”

The magazine received 484 completed surveys for a return rate of nearly 12 percent. Of the 99 full-time doctors cited from the VCU Medical Center, 31 were voted best in their field, including two physicians who were voted best in two specialties.

This is the sixth time Richmond Magazine has conducted the top-doctors survey. Similar surveys were conducted in 1988, 1998, 2000, 2004 and 2006.

Richard Wenzel, M.D., chair of internal medicine in the VCU School of Medicine, and Barry V. Kirkpatrick, M.D., professor in the Department of Pediatrics, also were featured as special honorees.

Wenzel was recognized as a pioneer in medicine and his extensive research on infectious diseases and infection control, and as president of the MCV Physicians group for introducing the patient experience customer service program. Kirkpatrick was recognized for his efforts in educating and mentoring medical students.