Chief Residents

Welcome! We are excited that you are considering the University of Virginia Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Training at UVA has been a great experience and has equipped us with the tools to become leaders in medicine. Our program perfectly balances hands-on patient care, dedicated faculty educators, and cutting-edge research opportunities.

As chief residents, we are proud that our program is resident-centered and unequivocally resident-run. From service structures to conference schedules, residents are involved with the design of every aspect of the program.

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our residency program during interview season.

Michael Bates, MD

My wife and I came to UVA from New Orleans, LA, where we were both born and raised. My family is from Leon, Nicaragua, but we are currently spread all over, including Nicaragua, Miami, Barcelona, Castellón de la Plana, Spain, and, of course, New Orleans. Between attending the University of Georgia for my bachelor’s degree, Tulane University for my master’s in public health, and the LSUHSC School of Medicine in New Orleans for medical school, I spent significant time visiting my family in places far from home. I learned about life outside of what we consider traditional to the southern United States and developed a deep appreciation for new environments, cultural perspectives, and the circumstances that lead families to migrate to new places—evacuating from New Orleans, LA, to Houston, TX, for six months after Hurricane Katrina was not only a test of resilience but also a testament to the generosity of others. In a serendipitous event, we met such generous people who extended their home to us while we rebuilt ours back in New Orleans.

Despite my comfort level with new places and new experiences, I still never expected to do my residency training in Charlottesville, VA. My only prior exposure to UVA was from Interstate 64 as my wife and I passed Charlottesville on our way to hike the locally famous Humpback Rock. After interviewing at UVA and discovering mentors who were passionate about underserved populations, health advocacy, and community engagement, I knew that UVA was the place where I could be the best version of myself. There was clear excellence without ego among faculty and residents alike, a striking feature amongst highly accomplished, yet humble people. As a new intern, I was entrusted with leading community events on diabetes education and cardiovascular risk mitigation in underserved communities, conducted in both Spanish and English. Upon arrival, I was assigned to a predominantly Spanish-speaking primary care panel, which allowed me to fulfill my calling as a language-concordant doctor, an experience I had hardly expected to find in central Virginia.

Additionally, most, if not all, of my underserved patients were recipients of UVA’s financial assistance, which covered nearly all of their expenses, granting me exceptional latitude in providing high-quality, evidence-based care. It’s difficult to express my gratitude for the trust placed in me, the resources our health system offers my patients, or the life-long friends I have made at UVA, including my co-chiefs. The support I received is at the heart of what makes UVA special and why I chose to stay and give back as a chief resident before pursuing further training in cardiovascular medicine. “Espirit de corps” is not just a slogan, but a lived, daily experience at UVA. If I could go back and redo my residency match experience, I wouldn’t change a thing!

Heather Frazier, MD

I grew up in Augusta, Georgia (home of the Masters Tournament!). I attended Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA, where I initially studied exercise science before switching to biology to pursue a career in medicine. During my gap year, I worked for a retina specialist in my hometown, where I moved through roles as receptionist, technician, and scribe. This experience gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of healthcare and sparked a deep appreciation for the many people and systems that shape patient care.

I went on to attend the Medical College of Georgia, where I discovered my love for internal medicine – for the intellectual breadth, the clinical complexity, and the grounded, thoughtful people it attracts. As I explored residency programs, the University of Virginia (UVA) quickly stood out. Even over Zoom, the camaraderie among residents and the intentional design of the educational experiences were immediately apparent.

My training at UVA has exceeded my expectations in every way. I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined – both as a clinician and educator – thanks to mentorship that is thoughtful, empowering, and rooted in a genuine desire to see us all thrive. I’ve been surrounded by role models who lead with humility and purpose, and I’ve consistently felt supported in taking meaningful steps toward becoming the physician and clinical educator I aspire to be.

Charlottesville has become a second home. My husband and I have enjoyed putting down roots – exploring local trails, enjoying local coffee shops, and settling into our home. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors and taking in the views from our back porch. Following my chief year, I plan to pursue a career in outpatient academic general medicine, with interests in both medical student and resident education, as well as improving the efficiency of the electronic health system.

We would love for you to consider the University of Virginia. Feel free to reach out – we’re always happy to chat and share honest insights about what makes this place special and how our program can help you reach your goals.

Laura Beth Lavette, MD

Kevin Toy, MD