Featured News
Ph.D. graduate’s research fuels surgical smoke legislation nationwide
Nearly 20 years after her doctoral studies, a VCU graduate’s dissertation continues to influence life-changing state laws — and might soon make waves at the federal level.


Ph.D. program guides Hawley in raising national voice in problem gambling
When Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., first wrote a grant proposal on youth gambling, she didn’t expect it to define her career.


Ph.D. research project aims for oral health equity for Virginians with developmental disabilities
For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a visit to the dentist can be overwhelming – sometimes impossible. Now, a new $200,000 grant is positioning Virginia Commonwealth University to help change that.


Turning isolation into action
Caterina LaRocca, OTD, was drawn to VCU’s Occupational Therapy Department in the College of Health Professions for its relationship with the Children’s Museum of Richmond. After all, she wanted to work with children, and she wanted to make therapy tangible.


Leading the way in interdisciplinary health care research
Each fall, I am reminded of the energy that comes with a new academic year: The excitement of new students beginning their journeys, and the pride in seeing our alumni and faculty continue to make an impact in their professions and communities.


For VCU’s David Allen, teaching is its own reward
Since 2020, Allen has served as a proud College of Health Professions adjunct faculty member. He graduated in 2019 from the Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences, where he teaches Finance and Economic Theory for Health Care, and leads a dissertation seminar.


VCU’s Annie Rhodes champions dementia care improvements in Virginia
For Annie Rhodes, Ph.D., what started as a side project during her doctoral studies at VCU has blossomed into a statewide tool that’s reshaping how Virginia tracks and supports individuals diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers.
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Program leads way in preparing interdisciplinary researchers
In an era when health systems, academic institutions and community programs alike are turning to data to inform decisions and improve outcomes, VCU’s Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences has carved out a national reputation for equipping professionals to use research and analysis to drive health innovation.

