WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals Receives Approval to Launch Graduate Medical Education with Inaugural Internal Medicine Residency Program

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals has received approval to officially launch graduate medical education (GME) with its inaugural Internal Medicine Residency Program, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s commitment to medical education and the future of health care in southern West Virginia.

 

The three-year program will welcome its first class of 10 residents in July 2027 and grow to 30 residents when fully established. The program is led by Andrea Lauffer, M.D., program director, and Sindhuri Benjaram, M.D., associate program director. Core faculty include Abhishek Chaturvedi, M.D.; Muhamed Abubacker, M.D.; Poojitha Pathakamudi, M.D.; and Muhammad Anwar, M.D.

 

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Thomas Hospitals,” said Lauffer. “As our inaugural residency program, we have the opportunity to build something special from the ground up. We want our residents to receive outstanding clinical training, learn from great educators and become part of a culture where they feel supported, valued and truly at home.”

 

Residents will receive broad clinical training in inpatient and outpatient medicine, critical care and medical subspecialties, along with elective opportunities to explore individual interests. The program also will include mentorship, quality improvement, clinical research, and other scholarly activities.

 

Resident wellness and professional development will be central to the program, with resources including student loan assistance, wellness and nutrition support, mentorship and professional development opportunities. Thomas Hospitals also will foster a respectful, inclusive and supportive culture, with opportunities for residents to build relationships through wellness activities, team-building and social events.

 

The launch builds on Thomas Hospitals’ initial accreditation as an ACGME Sponsoring Institution in November 2025, which established the foundation for the hospital to develop and sponsor graduate medical education programs. The Sept. 23 approval represents the next major step in that effort, officially launching GME at Thomas Hospitals with the Internal Medicine Residency Program.

 

“This is an investment in people, in our community and in the future of health care,” said Greg Rosencrance, M.D., president and CEO of Thomas Hospitals. “Launching our first residency program marks an exciting milestone for Thomas Hospitals and creates an opportunity to shape the next generation of physicians. Residents will receive exceptional training, hands-on clinical experience and the support of a team that is committed to their success.”

 

When fully established, the program will train 30 residents and prepare graduates for careers in hospital medicine, primary care, emergency medicine, subspecialty practice, academic medicine, research, quality improvement and leadership.

 

For more information about the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Thomas Hospitals, visit https://wvumedicine.org/locations/thomas-memorial-hospital/about/education/.