VCU School of Medicine on the MCV Campus

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Acute Care and Systems Strengthening in Low Resource Settings (ACCESS) program will host medical students, faculty and other experts in global health care at its sixth annual Global Health Symposium. The symposium, which will take place in McGlothlin Medical Education Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature research presentations, panel sessions and a networking lunch.

This year’s theme, “Advancing global health education: Empowering the next generation,” aims to showcase the opportunities available to students who are considering global health and acute care in low-resource areas as a career path. Medical students from other schools, especially those that do not have a similar program, are encouraged to attend virtually. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-vcusom-access-symposium-tickets-899394772977?aff=oddtdtcreator

“We really want to inspire anyone who is on the fence about getting involved in global health to get involved,” said Perri Nelson, an M2 and symposium co-chair. “We also want to create networking opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them, especially medical students who don’t go to a school with a global health program.” Read more via VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/global-health-affects-all-of-us-student-led-symposium-highlights-international-health-care.html

2024 VCUSOM ACCESS Symposium It's the 6th annual ACCESS Symposium at VCUSOM! This year's theme is Advancing Global Health Education: Empowering the Next Generation.

Congratulations to Robert Balster, Ph.D., a distinguished researcher in drug dependence at the VCU School of Medicine, who was recently honored with an award in his name. The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), the leading U.S. society on drug abuse research, has announced the establishment of the Robert Balster Mentorship Award. This accolade, one of five presented annually by the CPDD, recognizes Dr. Balster’s exceptional contributions in mentoring and supporting researchers in drug dependence. Read more via VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/a-legacy-of-mentorship-leading-society-on-drug-dependence-names-award-in-school-of-medicine-professors-honor-.html

Phyllis Byrd, Ph.D., a fourth-grade teacher in Hopewell, was just playing along when her student insisted on taking her blood pressure during an in-class Teach BP session. But turns out her blood pressure was too high, and she learned at a P*P appointment the next day that it was the cause of her recent headaches and chest pain.

The goal of the Teach BP program, led by , is to spark intergenerational change in communities with high rates of hypertension. Research has shown how children can positively influence and inform their parents’ health and health care decisions — and the Teach BP program aims to prove the same.

Learn more about Dr. Byrd and the student she credits with saving her life via VCU Health news:
https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/after-learning-how-to-screen-for-high-blood-pressure-student-saves-his-teachers-life 🔗

Congratulations to William L. Dewey, Ph.D., longtime faculty member and chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, on receiving the University Award of Excellence at the 42nd Annual Faculty Convocation. The award recognizes outstanding teaching, scholarship and service to the VCU community. Read more in VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/dr-william-l-dewey-receives-highest-honor-at-faculty-convocation.html 🔗

“In academic medicine, we don’t do what we do to earn awards — we do it for the enrichment of our students, the advancement of scientific knowledge and the betterment of society,” said Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “But awards like these acknowledge the tremendous dedication of faculty like Dr. Dewey, whose contribution to his field has saved lives and shaped the next generation of substance abuse researchers.”

The VCU School of Medicine extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of a valued former colleague, Margaret Biber, Ph.D., who served our school for 42 years and was a former chair of the Department of Physiology.

Margaret Boadle-Biber Obituary (1943 - 2024) - Richmond, VA - Richmond Times-Dispatch View Margaret Clare Boadle-Biber's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

Navid Fallahi, M.D., a fourth-year clinical resident at VCU, knew there had to be a better way to treat cervical and uterine cancers. With the support of the VCU School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, his idea for a customizable radiation device is now becoming a reality. This innovation aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of brachytherapy, bringing hope for better treatment outcomes. Read more via VCU News: https://news.vcu.edu/article/2024/08/vcu-team-has-designs-on-a-game-changer-in-womens-cancer-treatment

VCU team has designs on a game-changer in women’s cancer treatment The customizable radiation device for uterine and cervical cancers highlights VCU’s innovation ecosystem.

From former business majors to collegiate athletes, new kitten parents to collectors of clown dolls, the newest cohort of VCU School of Medicine graduate students bring a wealth of knowledge, experiences and skills to the lab, classroom and clinic. Get to know some of them via VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/student-life/graduate-students-2024/ 🔗

As an undergrad, Sachin Kumar Kempelingaiah played competitively on the VCU men's golf team

Annemarie Dickens competed in shot put at the Junior Olympics.

Katie Phung has worked as a nail technician for over 10 years.

Tomaj Javidtash is a published author of a book on quantum physics.

🐾 Happy International Dog Day from VCU School of Medicine! 🐶

Today, we’re celebrating our furry friends who bring joy and comfort into our lives. Whether they’re a loyal study buddy or the perfect companion after a long shift, dogs make everything better!

Swipe to see some of the beloved pups of , starting with Dean Saavedra and his dog, Trooper.

Perfusion Medical Inc., a VCU startup, has received $1.8 million from the U.S. Air Force to commercialize an intravenous solution called PM-208 that could treat massive blood loss in trauma patients. Read more via VCU News: https://www.news.vcu.edu/article/2024/08/air-force-awards-18m-to-vcu-startup-development-of-drug-treating-massive-blood-loss

“For a person who is bleeding out, PM-208 may take survival time from minutes to a day or more,” said Martin Mangino, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology and Biophysics and cofounder of Perfusion.

Perfusion was launched in 2020 to navigate the process of moving the drug through the FDA’s extensive clinical trials process.

Air Force awards $1.8M to VCU startup to advance development of drug treating massive blood loss Perfusion Medical, based on professor Martin Mangino’s research, could soon start clinical trials.

“Even now, with physician burnout, finding a sense of purpose can pull you out of the mundane day-to-day tasks. For me, that purpose is patient education.” Class of 2009 alumna Sonya Bholé, M.D., reflects on her dedication to patient advocacy and the role of social media in outreach and education.

https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/alumna-turns-to-social-media-to-encourage-patient-outreach-and-education.html

VCUSOM News: Kim Catley VCUSOM News:

New graduate students are here! On Thursday, Aug. 15, students pursuing certificate, master’s, Ph.D. and postdoctoral programs arrived on the MCV Campus for their advanced degree orientation. Join us in welcoming them to the School of Medicine community and follow along as we get to know the new cohort!

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Melvin Fratkin, M.D. (M'64, H'69, F'71) on August 7, 2024. Dr. Fratkin earned his medical degree from VCU School of Medicine before serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force. He returned to VCU for his residency in internal medicine and endocrinology and went on to serve the VCU community for over 47 years. During his time at VCU, Dr. Fratkin served as Chairman of the Division of Nuclear Medicine as well as Vice Chair of the Department of Radiology until his retirement in 2017. His obituary can be viewed at the following link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/richmond-va/melvin-fratkin-11930814

Dr. Fratkin was more than a skilled physician; he was a model of professionalism and kindness. His legacy lives on in the countless radiology residents he mentored, and in the wisdom and compassion he brought to his work. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

In honor of Dr. Fratkin's enduring commitment to education, his family invites donations to the VCU Radiology Residency Education Fund: https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/fund?fund=4888

Richmond was recently ranked No. 2 by USA Today for cities with the best street art, and we're proud that the MCV Campus is an integral part of RVA's artistic footprint. Check out some of this beloved artwork, including VCU's oldest mural inside MMEC and kid-friendly walls covered with video game and comic book characters in the basement of West Hospital: https://vcu.exposure.co/if-walls-could-talk

Meet some more of the Class of 2028 and their beloved companions 🐶🐱🐾:

Benjamin Angeles adopted his first pet, Matcha the cat, to be a companion during his post-baccalaureate years.

Sydney Atkinson, pictured with Juniper, moved across the country for college and loves teaching swim lessons.

Camryn Hall, pictured with Riggins, took a landscape architecture class in New Zealand.

Anna Huang, pictured at Golden Dog Farm in Vermont, can do an aerial jump.

Randolph Maxwell, pictured with Brandi, loves hiking and once descended a 150-foot cliff with no equipment.

Charita Valipreddy, pictured with Luna, loves music and singing and went to her first concert this year.

On Friday, Aug. 2, our first-year medical students donned their white coats for the first time and recited the Oath of Geneva, surrounded by friends, family and faculty. This annual rite of passage concluded the two-week Transition to Medical School and kicked off their journeys to becoming doctors. Congratulations, Class of 2028! 🥼

“You’ve already excelled as a single person. You’re now going to learn to redefine that success by succeeding in teams, learning to be part of a group and creating something bigger than the sum of your parts.” 🥼

Dean Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., to the new class of M1s

Learn more about the backgrounds, talents and interests of our newest medical students: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/student-life/welcome-class-of-2028/ 🔗

Welcome Class of 2028 Welcome Class of 2028

About one in every four people are estimated to report at least one concussion by the time they are adolescents. According to national data, young female athletes are more likely to sustain a sports-related concussion, experience more severe symptoms and take longer to recover.

Researchers at VCU have been working with young athletes like Bella Ross to better understand how male and female adolescents experience concussions differently, as well as how those differences influence their recovery and risk of future injury. Learn more via VCU Health News: https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/head-in-the-game-vcu-led-study-looks-to-advance-concussion-care-for-female-athletes 🔗

Based on the academic medical center campus in downtown Richmond, VCU’s Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health is shifting the world’s understanding of liver disease and how to treat it. Learn more via VCU Health News: https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/how-one-institute-is-redefining-metabolic-health 🔗

How one institute is redefining metabolic health | VCU Health By A.J. Hostetler The liver is a powerhouse. The low-key, often overlooked organ handles essential functions such as detoxification, metabolism and nutrient storage. It breaks down toxins, aids digestion and produces bile to help absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. In short, the liver ensures the....

On July 17, 2024, the VCU School of Medicine hosted the inaugural Staff Distinction Awards to recognize the achievements of School of Medicine staff members and honor their outstanding contributions to the school’s mission. Our Individual Excellence Award recipients were Jodi Humpage, Molly Hyer, Ph.D., Joey Noble and Dana Rajczewski. The Excellence in Collaboration Award went to the SOM Research and Educational Missions Team comprised of Dylan Chaplin, Alex Josephs, Lori Pfister and Emma Robinson. Congratulations to all of our awardees. 🎉

Read more via VCUSOM news:
https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/som-staff-awards.html 🔗

Our new M1s arrive tomorrow for the two-week Transition to Medical School! Join us in welcoming these new students and follow along as we get to know the Class of 2028. 🥼

Bradley Sheffield balances being a father of two and a registered emergency nurse with his passion for playing banjo, guitar and upright bass.

Johnny Bui has hiked in West Virginia, Maryland, Arizona, Utah, North Carolina, Hawaii and, recently, Japan.

Amanda Sandberg, who is originally from Sweden, played D1 soccer for four years at the University of Maine.

Samara Shabon can speak English, Dari/Farsi, Urdu/Hindi, Arabic and French.

Sevval Ercan enjoys trying foods from different cultures and making homemade soap.

Ananda Amstadter, Ph.D., watches the world around her through a unique lens. As a researcher who has dedicated her career to understanding the human impact of traumatic events, when she sees news reports on war, natural disasters and other tragedies, her mind goes to the survivors who are left with long-term debilitating effects and how they’ll cope.

Amstadter has been investigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the beginning of her academic career. She joined the School of Medicine faculty and VCU’s Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (VIPBG) in 2010. With dual appointments in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, she wants to understand the causes and effects of the psychiatric disorder to inform prevention and interventional therapies.

In collaboration with researchers at Lund University in Sweden, Amstadter recently led the largest twin-sibling study of PTSD to date, which examined genetic s*x differences in relation to PTSD. According to the study, which was published a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry in early June, people assigned female at birth have a higher genetic risk of developing PTSD than those assigned male at birth. Read more via VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/trauma-informed-research-a-multifaceted-exploration-of-ptsd.html

With new funding from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), School of Medicine researchers Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D., and Edward Schuler, Ph.D., of the Marconi laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology are nearing completion on a diagnostic test and vaccination for a deadly kidney infection affecting animals and humans. Commonly referred to as “lepto,” leptospirosis is a widespread and potentially deadly zoonotic infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. While dogs, horses, cattle and pigs have the greatest infection risk, the CDC reports that there are nearly 1 million cases of leptospirosis in humans worldwide each year, with nearly 60,000 deaths. Read more in VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/research-and-innovation/vipc-grant-2024/ 🔗

The new vaccine and tests have been in development for nearly five years, and members of the Marconi lab are excited and grateful for the VIPC grant as the funding will support the final stages of development and push the technology into the commercialization stage and into the hands of clinicians and veterinarians.

Considering an M.P.H.? VCU's newest school, the School of Population Health, has been granted accreditation candidacy, and will become the VCU School of Public Health, effective July 15. Learn more via VCU News: https://news.vcu.edu/article/2024/07/vcu-school-of-population-health-becomes-vcu-school-of-public-health

VCU School of Population Health becomes VCU School of Public Health The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia approves the name change as the school continues its accreditation process.

"When I came to medical school, I was determined to never do research again. I had done my time in a wet lab and I did not enjoy it. However, as a student in the International Inner City Rural Preceptorship (I2CRP) program, I was urged to apply for a one-month summer research rotation through the Department of Family Medicine."

Read more about the Class of 2026's Cecelia Hembrough in our alumni magazine, 12th and Marshall: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/first-person-my-summer-in-family-medicine-research.html

Five innovative research projects led by eight VCU School of Medicine faculty members have been awarded funding from the 2024 VCU Breakthroughs Fund. Now in its third year, the VCU Breakthroughs Fund has invested nearly $6 million in over 30 projects, driving transdisciplinary research to solve major societal challenges. Read more via VCU News: https://news.vcu.edu/article/2024/07/vcu-breakthroughs-fund-provides-grants-to-10-more-faculty-led-projects

Thanks to a generous gift from James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin, twelve students from the Class of 2027 received that life-changing news last summer as they prepared to begin their journey into a career in medicine. The gift enabled the medical school to provide more scholarship funding in the 2023-24 academic year than ever before in the history of the school. ⚕️

“We expect these students to become the next generation of innovators in medical science,” the McGlothlins said of the transformational gift. “Our vision and mission are to graduate physicians who will serve our country and its citizens at the highest level of care.” Read more in the spring edition of our alumni magazine, 12th and Marshall: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/a-future-with-endless-possibilities.html 🔗

VCUSOM News: Polly Roberts and Holly Prestidge; Photo by Daniel Sangjib Min VCUSOM News:

“Any time is a good time, because no time is a good time.” That’s what Stephan Lazar, M.D., said about having a baby in January 2024, when he was an M4.

At VCU School of Medicine, students across all four years of the M.D. program have found ways to balance exams and clinical rotations with diaper changes and bedtime routines. They all cited their partners’ sacrifices and unconditional support as a key component to their success as parents in medical school, in addition to their own time management skills, creativity and determination. Read more via VCUSOM news: https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/search/lectureship-honors-enduring-impact-of-pioneering-female-surgeon.html 🔗

Patricia Sime, M.D., chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and her multidisciplinary team of VCU researchers are leading the charge to find a cure for fibrosis. By studying the Piezo2 protein, which senses changes in tissue stiffness, they're developing drugs to treat and potentially cure this scarring disease. Learn more via VCU News: https://www.news.vcu.edu/article/2024/06/vcu-researchers-explore-a-promising-pathway-to-treating-fibrosis 🔗

Amélie Foumena Nkodo (she/they) is a fourth-year medical student at VCU School of Medicine and recipient of the Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship which funded her research about how telemedicine has expanded since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and what the implications are for patients who are medically or socially vulnerable.

“Health inequities are often presented as mutually exclusive issues: one lecture on LGBTQIA+ health, social determinants of health, and another on elder abuse. For example, in practice, our patients exist within overlapping identities and experience health care through this lens. My hope is that the VCU School of Medicine and the field of primary care will work towards conceptual frameworks that recognize the complexity of the human experience. An understanding of the intersectional nature of social identities is useful for developing models of care delivery that address the root causes of health disparities.”