Department: School of Medicine

Dr. Edmond "Trey" Wickham II is a beloved physician and educator whose passion for his patients and students is evident in every aspect of his work. Following his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1995, Dr. Wickham earned his medical degree from VCU in 1999 and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society that same year. He continued his training at VCU, completing a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, serving as Chief Medical Resident. Driven by his passion for endocrinology, he pursued a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at VCU and later obtained his Master's in Public Health.

Joining the VCU School of Medicine faculty in 2006, Dr. Wickham quickly established himself as an exceptional educator. His teaching has been recognized with numerous awards, beginning with an Outstanding Teaching Award in the Endocrine Course during his first year as an M2 lecturer. Medical students consistently recognize his excellence in teaching, honoring him with eight outstanding teacher awards for his work in the SOM M2 Endocrinology Applied Medical Science Course. He has also received the Teaching Excellence Award for Overall Teaching Effectiveness (2009) and the Faculty Award for Excellence as a Clinician-Educator (2019) from the Department of Internal Medicine.

Described by colleagues as having a "gift for inspiring" students, Dr. Wickham fosters an engaging learning environment where students thrive. They know he genuinely cares about their success. He seamlessly blends complex medical concepts with practical applications, ensuring his students grasp both the "why" and the "how" of medicine. Whether he’s leading lectures, facilitating small group discussions, or mentoring students one-on-one, Dr. Wickham prioritizes a holistic approach to education that extends beyond textbooks. He provides individualized guidance, helping learners define their career aspirations and overcome challenges, all while fostering their confidence and independence. His impact is all-encompassing. As one student succinctly expressed, “I want to be Dr. Wickham when I grow up.”

In addition to being an influential educator, Dr. Wickham is an NIH-funded and award-winning researcher with 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, 43 published abstracts, and over 60 invited lectures and seminars. As the Director of Research at the VCU Healthy Lifestyles Center, he leads research initiatives focused on developing effective strategies for preventing and treating obesity, particularly in adolescents. Recognizing the growing need for specialized training in obesity medicine, Dr. Wickham started the Obesity Medicine Fellowship at VCU, the only one of its kind in Virginia. This initiative created a program that equips future physicians with the knowledge and skills to effectively treat obesity, and it is currently under consideration for membership in the Obesity Medicine Fellowship Council, which would allow graduates to become certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).

Dr. Wickham has made significant contributions to the development of innovative medical education programs as well. He played a key role in shaping the curriculum for medical students by incorporating novel elements such as the M3 evidence-based medicine debates and the M4 obesity elective. Dr. Wickham's extensive educational leadership experience includes acting as the associate program director (2008 -2014) and then program director (2015 - present) for the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship. His advisees consider him to be one of the most impactful faculty members during their training. Former mentee Trang Le, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at VCU SOM notes that Dr. Wickham’s “educational efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary,” citing the Diabetes Immersion Experience, during which fellows live as a patient with diabetes for a week, as just one example of Dr. Wickham’s teaching innovations. Dr. Wickham is an inspiring mentor and leader who embodies the highest standards of professionalism. His selection as recipient of this award, the highest recognition for teaching in the School of Medicine, reflects his enduring legacy as an exceptional educator who transforms the lives of his students.

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