Dear Class of 2020,
Match Day is a pivotal, momentous occasion, and one that deserves to be marked with grand, joyful commemorations for our students and those who have supported them. On this special day of professional and personal celebration in the medical community, our heartfelt congratulations go out to our VCU School of Medicine fourth-year students.
You, our remarkable students, deserve to be acknowledged for all you have achieved in your medical education endeavors to this point, and it is our sincere hope that the adjustments made today do not detract from the celebration of your accomplishments.
Being a physician is more than a job – it's a calling. We have chosen this complex, demanding, rewarding field because something deep within ourselves calls us to contribute to the greater good, to be a part of something larger than ourselves. This national health crisis is bigger than all of us, and it is our responsibility to lead by example. Your continued progress to now become excellent residents is leading by example and is inspirational to us all.
We are confident that you will contribute to your chosen fields with the poise, curiosity, compassion and resilience that have made you the exceptional and promising class of medical students you have been for the past four years.
It was great being with you for a few moments remotely earlier today, however, we genuinely regret that we cannot mark this occasion with the fanfare it deserves, and I hope you each feel celebrated, appreciated and supported as you prepare for your next step during this time of uncertainty. We are in this together.
With sincere congratulations and gratitude for each of you,
Peter F. Buckley, M.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Interim CEO, VCU Health System, and Senior Vice President, VCU Health Sciences
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System