Another school year is upon us. We’re excited to welcome our medical student Class of 2030 and, in just a couple of weeks, our new graduate students.

This year’s M.D. class of 184 individuals boasts a wide range of talents and experience. While many are from Virginia and the majority are from the U.S., they speak nine languages and have lived all over the world. They are creative — musicians, potters, photographers and dancers. They are athletic, with hikers, bikers and weightlifters, and Division I pedigrees in soccer, rugby, running and rowing. And, of course, many also arrived on campus with previous healthcare experience, including 21 medical assistants, 14 EMTs, 11 scribes and three RNs.

All of our students know the value of hard work, because that’s what it took to get here. But succeeding at SOM also requires hard work and resilience. Fortunately, they are joining a community that is caring, compassionate and committed to their education and training as future physicians and scientists. From the classroom to the clinic, the lab to the lecture hall, everyone at our school is invested in the success of our students. Medicine and science are team sports, and educating physicians and scientists is a marathon, not a sprint. I know I can count on our outstanding faculty, staff and continuing students to help our newest community members start off on the right foot — and, in a few short years, see them across the finish line in a profession that needs their talents.

Thanks to all, for all you do to model the mission of our school.

Stephen L. Kates, M.D.
Interim dean, VCU School of Medicine
Interim executive vice president for medical affairs, VCU Health