Interim Dean Colin Derdeyn, MD, delivers the 2025 State of the School address.
Interim Dean Colin P. Derdeyn, MD, delivered the 2025 State of the School Address on September 30. His message celebrated the School’s achievements this past year and emphasized the strong foundation of excellence built by dedicated faculty, staff, trainees, and students. “Our progress across the mission areas illustrates the strength of this institution. The resilience and creativity of our people and our culture of excellence are remarkable,” said Derdeyn.
Among the year’s most notable successes, the School announced the appointment of biomedical expert Mark Esser, PhD, as Head of the Manning Institute, advancing UVA’s leadership in translational research and innovation. The Department of Genome Sciences was formally established as the School’s ninth research department, reflecting the growing impact of genetics and data science on modern medicine.
Educational programs also expanded significantly. A new BIMS Program in Computational Biology was launched, preparing future physician-scientists to harness big data for biomedical discovery. The Global Health Leadership Track for residents broadened to include additional departments, extending UVA’s global reach and training. Meanwhile, the adoption of the CloudCME platform enhanced professional education, helping improve provider performance and patient outcomes.
The School also strengthened its commitment to community health. Mobile healthcare initiatives, including a new van and mammography screening unit, brought services directly to underserved populations. In Charlottesville, the 6th Street Clinic will expand access to care for local residents.
Dean Derdeyn acknowledged some of the challenges the School faced last year and shared part of his approach to leadership as Interim Dean, “I commit to listening generously. I don’t have all the answers, but I recognize the value of input from all stakeholders.”
Currently in an information-gathering phase, Derdeyn is conducting department and center annual reviews and listening sessions, and providing other avenues for team members to share their perspectives. “Our people are incredibly dedicated to the success of this institution. We have open doors and want to connect.” He plans to tap into faculty and staff expertise through delegation, among other things, to support them in their work to achieve the School’s operational and missional goals.
Looking ahead, Dean Derdeyn presented a strategic vision for the School of Medicine, emphasizing trust, adaptability, and collaboration. “This is your school,” he stated, underscoring the importance of transparency and collective ownership. He stressed the need to embrace change in operations while preserving core values. To address challenges such as potential funding reductions and physical space, Dean Derdeyn proposed immediate and long-term solutions, including portfolio diversification, strategic planning for space, creating operational efficiencies, and the formation of multidisciplinary, agile teams capable of adapting to evolving environments and challenges. These measures aim to support growth in all of the School of Medicine’s missions. Watch the recording to learn about other areas of focus in the coming months.
Dean Derdeyn and his leadership team look forward to continued input from the School of Medicine community. A survey was emailed to faculty and staff following the State of the School address that provides an opportunity for feedback.
Photos by Tom Daly.
