Dear Colleagues-Friends,
In the short few weeks that I’ve been privileged to serve as your Dean, I’m constantly reminded of the talent at VCU and of the pride we share in the many accomplishments of our colleagues.
Last week, Dr. Stephanie Call and Ms. Deborah Davis formally accepted the Baldwin Award, on behalf of all of you. As Stephanie reminded us, the concepts that the Baldwin Award stand for – humanism, excellence in care, quality, leadership as a cohesive team, life-long learning – are the same concepts that inspire us in our daily work. This pride in our caring for others is also very much in evidence among the colleagues I meet as I round on units, the operating rooms, and in the ER.
It is noteworthy that this prestigious recognition of the Baldwin Award builds upon prior and more recent accomplishments in our continued quest in delivering excellent care: the 2014 McKesson Award, more Beacon awards than any academic medical center for nursing excellence in acute care, and the 2017 VCU “Top Docs” impressive listing.
Also, last week I heard the scientific presentations of our first year graduate students. The quality of their work and appreciation of the mentorship at VCU was inspirational. Additionally, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to meet with our scientists and to read an array of published work and stellar research.
I’ve also been reaching out to our major donors and community partners. These leaders repeatedly express their gratitude for the innovative research and quality of care at VCU. Their continued support shows: Through the efforts of many, the endowment at MCV Foundation is up 8% over prior year and 70% of the total fundraising comes to the MCV campus.
This week is a special week in the life of any medical school: on Friday, approximately 216 of our talented medical students find out their fate in the 2017 Resident Match. Whether they stay here or go to another top institution for the next phase of their medical training, rest assured that they will – always – be great ambassadors for our venerable medical school. Stay tuned for the match results on Friday and/or if you have a chance, swing by the Hippodrome at 11:00 am…it will be exhilarating.
Please note that “one of our own” – Dr. Sheldon Retchin, former VP for Health Sciences at VCU Health – will be on campus next week (3/22/17 at 4:30 pm, Kontos) to deliver the inaugural Jim & Sally Warden Parrott Lecture.
I have met many of you and have enjoyed learning of your research, teaching, and/or clinical activities. I’ve also received emails from many of you too, thank you. I appreciate your insights and all that each of you do for our school.
With best wishes,
Peter
Peter F. Buckley, M.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System