from The President

Recently I learned that an EVMS medical student is here today because of EVMS — literally. After five years of struggling to have a child, Phillip Connell’s parents reached out to our Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine, and Mr. Connell and his twin sister, Cameron, were born. Today, Mr. Connell says his decision to be a doctor is his way of paying it forward.

In the same vein, since our opening in 1973, EVMS has focused on paying it forward to the community that brought our institution to life. Our 45-year anniversary allows us to reflect on the diverse ways EVMS strives to make a positive difference in Hampton Roads.

Few people can match the positive difference Jane Gardner has made by sharing her battles with cancer. A respected regional newscaster for two decades, Ms. Gardner was working at EVMS when she was diagnosed with the first of four kinds of cancer she has survived. Learn why — when she could have been treated anywhere in the nation — she chose the specialists of EVMS.

In our early days, medical research wasn’t the priority at EVMS that it is today. Our expanding emphasis on research was confirmed in March by U.S. News and World Report, which evaluated the nation’s 177 medical schools for research and ranked EVMS number 89.

One scientific discovery that may boost our ranking also could have a global impact. You might not know the terms “ReAlta” or “PIC1”, but you soon will. Thousands of newborns who suffer brain damage and sometimes die from what has been a largely untreatable condition will be the first to benefit from this breakthrough.

Perhaps among our Class of 2018 — now embarking on exciting new journeys — is the physician or scientist whose medical advancement will save the life of someone close to you. That was our goal when our doors opened 45 years ago, and it remains our primary focus today. On behalf of everyone at EVMS, thank you for standing with us in that effort.