Dear colleagues,
I could not have asked for a better way to end my first week as School of Medicine Dean than to join faculty and students in welcoming hundreds of alumni back for the MCV Campus Reunion this past weekend. Witnessing the strong connection and support so many alumni have for our school was both inspiring and energizing to our mission.
The years we spend working and learning together at the very beginning of our medical careers define and shape the caregivers we become. From the trailblazing women in the Class of ‘78 to the accomplished physicians in the milestone 25th anniversary Class of 1998, I heard stories of success and inspired service in the care of others. I also heard deep gratitude for the transformative time they spent on the MCV Campus, and sincere interest in the how the school is meeting the challenges and opportunities to educate another generation of physicians today.
As I begin my second week in the Dean’s Office, I just want to say thank you to all the people who made our Reunion Weekend a success.
Thank you to our dedicated administrative staff, and especially to our Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations team for an engaging program for our alumni and donors.
Thank you to our distinguished faculty and department chairs who took time out of their busy schedules to welcome alumni and share the exciting things happening on campus and within the VCU Health System.
Finally, thank you to our impressive students, who put on a great presentation for Anatomy Rounds, demonstrating to our returning alumni that the high-quality education and training they received during their time here not only continues, but also advances.
Our commitment to excellence continues. I am privileged and humbled to serve as your dean as we build upon the legacy of this great institution.
Kind regards,
Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System