School of Medicine dean elected to be president-elect of Medical Society of Virginia

School of Medicine Dean Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., was elected to serve as president-elect of the Medical Society of Virginia at the organization’s annual meeting in Norfolk last weekend. 

“Dr. Saavedra's unwavering commitment to advancing the medical profession, mentoring future physicians and advocating for patient care exemplifies the values the MSV upholds,” said Melina Davis, CEO and executive vice president of the MSV.  

Davis commended Saavedra, who previously served as secretary-treasurer of the organization, for his commitment to serving and improving the field of medicine.   

“Dr. Saavedra’s leadership continues to shape health care across Virginia in meaningful ways.” 

Saavedra, a triple board-certified physician, researcher and dermatology textbook co-author, said he got involved with the MSV to connect with physicians across Virginia and give back to the evolving field of medicine through community engagement and service. This service began before his April 2023 arrival in Richmond as dean of the VCU School of Medicine and executive vice president of medical affairs for VCU Health.  

 In 2021, while serving as chair of the Department of Dermatology and interim chief executive officer of the University of Virginia Physicians Group, Saavedra was one of two doctors from UVA who answered the call to a request from the MSV to volunteer as flight surgeons on the first U.S. missions to airlift thousands of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan. He cared for young and old, orphaned children and families that had one pillowcase of belongings to their name, and the experience made a lasting impression.  

“As physicians, we get used to what we see in our own universe, whether it’s in clinic or in the operating room,” he told the UVA Health blog in a 2021 story on the missions. “This type of experience provides a wider perspective. And it’s influenced how I care for patients.”  

As MSV president-elect, Saavedra is now in line to lead the organization as its president when MSV reconvenes to elect new officers at its next annual meeting in 2026. He would be only the second dean of a Virginia medical school to serve in the role in the 200+ history of the MSV, and the second VCU School of Medicine leader in recent years to serve as president of the society. Alice Coombs, M.D., chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, held the position in 2024.  

Armed with even more perspective and experience, Saavedra said he is humbled to be a voice for fellow physicians and patients across the commonwealth.  

“This is a pivotal time for physicians and their patients, both in Virginia and across the country,” Saavedra said. “From issues of patient care and access to the development of our workforce, it has perhaps never been more important to unite the entire house of medicine across our various competencies and skill sets to protect and advocate for the health of all Virginians. I look forward to serving my colleagues in this important work.”