Dear Colleagues-Friends,
Last week marked the beginning of the next stage of training for our newest resident and fellow colleagues. In all, 165 interns and 68 fellows have joined our ranks to assist in delivering world-class care to our patients and community. Please welcome these great doctors. We are fortunate to have them join us and they, like us, have grown through challenging experiences over the past few months as they completed their training.
These great colleagues embark now on the next stage of their careers at a time of great change and challenge in our community, nation and world. We remain in the midst of a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 126,000 Americans and fundamentally altered the way we teach, learn, work and interact.
Additionally, we are in the midst of social unrest born out of the profound human injustices and racism that have shaken our nation to its core. As we respond and grow through these unprecedented circumstances, we are united in our mission to serve all our patients when they hurt physically, emotionally and socially. We also are committed to providing all of our learners with exemplary training in a learning environment that is respectful and supportive.
In the coming weeks and months, our new residents and fellows will be looking to your experience, guidance and expertise to realize their full potential as practicing physicians, scientific thinkers and community leaders. Let’s join together in welcoming them to our School of Medicine, and extend our full support of their professional growth and development.
With gratitude,
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