Christi Stewart, MD, FAAFP, FAAHPM, HMDC

Position Responsibilities

As Director of the UME-GME Transition and Electives Curriculum (Phase 3) at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), Dr. Christi Stewart provides leadership for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the final phase of the medical curriculum. Her work focuses on supporting students’ readiness for residency through advanced clinical experiences, electives, and the Transition to Residency courses.

In this role, Dr. Stewart collaborates with the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and leaders across the academic and clinical curriculum to ensure Phase 3 aligns with VTCSOM’s mission and accreditation standards. She oversees the growth and integration of elective opportunities, advances competency-based assessment, and promotes curricular coherence across all phases of the medical education program.  

Professional Background

Dr. Stewart joined VTCSOM in 2018 as a member of the Internal Medicine Faculty and has served as a facilitator and course director for the Transition to Residency curriculum. Board-certified in Family Medicine, Geriatrics, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, she brings more than 15 years of experience in complex care, communication education, and interprofessional collaboration.

At Carilion Clinic, Dr. Stewart serves as Section Chief of Palliative and Supportive Care and Medical Director of Carilion Hospice. In these roles, she models compassionate, patient-centered care and mentors residents and medical students in communication, ethics, and interprofessional teamwork. She previously directed both Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Geriatric Fellowship programs, developing competency-based curricula that emphasize reflective practice and professional growth. As a dedicated educator and leader, Dr. Stewart is recognized for her commitment to learner development, faculty collaboration, and the integration of geriatric and palliative principles throughout medical education. 

Research Interests

• Learner readiness and transition to residency
• Health systems science and competency-based education
• Communication and professionalism in clinical training
• Advance care planning and ethical decision-making
• Integration of geriatrics and palliative medicine in medical education

Awards and Honors

• Top Palliative Medicine Specialist, The Roanoker Magazine (2021–2025)
• Virginia’s Top Doctors, Virginia Business Magazine (2024–2025)
• Fellow, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM), 2020
• Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP), 2020
• Lancaster General Health Teacher of the Year, 2017
• Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Award, 2006

Education and Training

• MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine
• Bachelor’s, Biology and Religious Studies, University of Virginia
• Residency, Family Medicine, Lancaster General Hospital
• Fellowships, Geriatric Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Lancaster General Hospital

Other Positions

• Section Chief, Section of Palliative and Supportive Care, Carilion Clinic
• Medical Director of Carilion Hospice, Roanoke
• Associate Professor, VTCSOM