Department: School of Medicine

“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” Buddha

Dr. Edmond “Trey” Wickham III lives this adage from Buddha every day of his life in his interactions with those he encounters. Patients, students, and colleagues all know him for his effective communication skills and the care with which he speaks. His efforts to promote empathy, address sensitive topics, and foster a positive and inclusive healthcare environment do not go unnoticed and highlight the high level of integrity, compassion and respect he brings to his patients and their families.

One of the hallmarks of Dr. Wickham's approach to medicine is his focus on patient-centered care. He conveys complex medical information in an understandable manner and empowers patients to take an active role in their health. Dr. Wickham recognizes that true healing encompasses not just the physical but also the emotional and social well-being of his patients. Using motivational interviewing techniques such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmation and summarizing, he seeks to understand his patients’ concerns in order to develop an individualized therapeutic plan.

Dr. Wickham’s humanistic values extend into the classroom, where he spotlights the importance of empathy in healthcare. During a lecture on

diabetes to medical students, he invited a patient with chronic disease to speak about the social impacts of their condition. This teaching method allowed for a deeper understanding of the patient experience that goes beyond a textbook. Dr. Wickham balances theoretical knowledge with real-world clinical examples, all while bringing awareness to the barriers patients may face. Dr. Wickham also actively encourages colleagues to reconsider potentially stigmatizing language, especially when discussing obesity medicine. Dr. Trang Le, a former mentee and current colleague, states that in particular, Dr. Wickham “has been effective at communicating the effects of weight bias on patient-provider interactions and contributed to educating learners at all levels about the severe consequences of bias in healthcare.” Dr. Wickham’s proactive style of addressing sensitive topics and promoting respectful communication distinguishes him as a leader in building a more humane healthcare system.

Through the years, Dr. Wickham's commitment to his patients, students, and the medical profession has earned him numerous awards and accolades. In 2003, he was honored with the "Martin Hoffman Physician Award" for his empathy and compassion as a physician. Richmond Magazine has also recognized his clinical skills with over a dozen "Top Doc" awards. However, Dr. Wickham's legacy is not just about his accomplishments but about his commitment to modeling humanistic values in action. His dedication to humanism reaches beyond his clinical and academic roles and into the community where he educates the public about obesity. Notably, he developed a community garden and served as an advisor for FIT4Kids, a non-profit focused on improving children's health. These initiatives speak volumes about Dr. Wickham’s character and his desire to make a positive difference in the community as a whole.

In his letter of support for this award, Dr. Le speaks to Dr. Wickham’s influence as a physician and educator at VCU, stating, “He is always enthusiastic, approachable, and professional in every interaction that I have ever observed whether with patients, learners, or other team members. I continue to look to him as a role model and leader in all aspects of empathetic patient care and teaching.” It’s clear that Dr. Wickham embodies the true spirit of humanism in medicine, not just through his words, but through his actions and his lasting impact on his patients, students, and colleagues.

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