Dear Colleagues-Friends,

Several of our senior faculty were privileged to participate recently in the 10th installment of the Discovery Series. The event was hosted by the MCV Foundation, which was represented by Margaret Ann Bollmeier and Harry Thalhimer, MCV Foundation president and board chair, respectively.

Our faculty colleagues participated in a panel discussion about the transformational impact of imaging on healthcare. Panelists included Dr. Ann Fulcher, professor and chair, Department of Radiology, and director of Abdominal Imaging; Dr. Greg Hundley, director of the Pauley Heart Center and director of Cardiac Imaging; Dr. Patrick Nana-Sinkam, professor and chair, Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine; and Dr. Sarah Temkin, director of Gynecologic Oncology.

Alongside VCU Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ron Clark – who opened the event with “A Medical Moment” to explain the latest research on the preventative value of daily aspirin – the esteemed panel elaborated on several imaging techniques, how they are refined in clinical practice for early diagnosis and tailored treatment, and how they can be combined with blood tests/biomarkers to be even more precise. Two cross-cutting themes emerged from the dialogue – how imaging not only supports diagnosis but also prevention of disease, and the value of collaborating across areas of medicine to do the best for patients.

Our faculty made us all very proud by their erudite yet highly conversational style which displayed a remarkable level of clinical knowledge and academic leadership in their areas of expertise. The audience of over 230 community leaders in Williamsburg responded in a lively discussion, and Mr. Thalhimer concluded by highlighting the value of academic medicine and the strength of this collaboration.

We appreciate the leadership of the MCV Foundation and the event’s host committee – comprised of Williamsburg community leaders Ms. Julie Baxter and Mr. Paul Dresser; Ms. Louise and Mr. Bob Canfield; Ms. Ginny and Mr. Charles Crone; Ms. Jane and Mr. James Kaplan; and Ms. Judi Starkey – in establishing and nurturing this innovative lecture series which over the past four years has raised awareness about the outstanding medical research, care and education that happens every day at our institution.

With every good wish,

Peter F. Buckley, M.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System