Overview and Leadership
Program overview
The Mary Washington Healthcare Neurology Residency Program is thoughtfully designed to train skilled, adaptable neurologists in a growing and medically underserved community. Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, midway between Washington, DC, and Richmond, our program serves a diverse patient population with a broad range of neurological needs, offering residents meaningful clinical experiences with real impact.
Residents train primarily at Mary Washington Hospital, where they gain comprehensive exposure across the field of neurology, including cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, headache, and neurocritical care. Pediatric neurology training is completed at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, providing additional depth and a well-rounded educational experience. Dedicated outpatient subspecialty rotations and strong interdisciplinary collaboration are integral to our curriculum. The clinical volume is robust, and the case mix reflects the full spectrum of neurological disease encountered in a community-based setting.
Our program places a strong emphasis on developing not only clinical expertise but also the identity and growth of each resident as a neurologist. Mentorship is individualized, aligning with residents’ career goals and fostering the ability to think critically, engage with current literature, and contribute to improvements in clinical practice. Resident wellness is a central priority, as we recognize that a supportive training environment is essential to shaping thoughtful, resilient physicians.
Fredericksburg offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the accessibility of major metropolitan areas with the stability, affordability, and community atmosphere often unavailable in larger urban programs.
We look forward to meeting you!
Leadership
Barbara Decker, MD, MSCE
Medical School: St. George’s School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies
Residency: University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT
Epilepsy Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Clinical Interests: epilepsy, headache, women’s neurology
I grew up in North Carolina where most people are unfortunately Tarheels, including my brother, but I bleed Duke blue. I went to Duke for undergrad while my brother went down the road to that other school, so we have an unspoken agreement to avoid each other in March.
I am board certified in neurology and epilepsy with a special focus in women’s health. I tell trainees that neurology is the blue cheese of medicine – you either love it or you hate it, and most people hate it - so when you find your calling, it’s the best thing on earth. I feel fortunate that every day that I found mine. Building the MWHC Neurology Residency from the ground up has been the most rewarding chapter of my career so far, and I take seriously the responsibility of shaping the next generation of neurologists in a community that genuinely needs them.
My husband and I found our way to Fredericksburg in a circuitous way and hope we never leave. I joined Mary Washington Healthcare because I wanted to build something and because this community deserves high-quality neurological care close to home.
Outside of the hospital, I have two little girls with strong opinions about fashion and two giant dogs with strong opinions about dinner. My happy place is on the water, anyplace outdoors in the sunshine, or in bed early with a good thriller.