Dean Melina Kibbe
Dear School of Medicine Community,
As we approach Veterans Day, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the individuals who have served in our armed services. Putting our great country, its traditions, freedom, and people above oneself is one of the highest demonstrations of selflessness a person can make.
Caring for veterans has been an honor, a privilege, and a highlight of my career. I began serving veterans as a surgery resident at the Pittsburgh VAMC and later as a vascular surgeon at the Jesse Brown VAMC in Chicago. Caring for our veterans for more than 20 years and providing them with the exceptional medical care they deserve has had a lasting impact on me. My own grandparents courageously served in WWII, and one was tragically lost at sea while serving as a submariner on the USS Pompano off the coast of Japan. I am personally aware of the sacrifices and struggles our veterans and their families face during and after their military service. It has been deeply humbling to me as a physician to care for veterans like my grandparents and many others who sacrificed so much for our country.
On Veterans Day, I hope all of us pause to recognize and show appreciation for our veterans who have selflessly served for the freedom and privileges we enjoy as Americans and that you take a moment to reflect on those whose lives were cut short.
The men and women who serve our country are an inspiration to me every day. I am proud to work alongside the more than 260 veterans employed by the School of Medicine and UVA Health.
With gratitude,
Melina Kibbe, MD
Dean, UVA School of Medicine
James Carroll Flippin Professor of Medical Science
Chief Health Affairs Officer, UVA Health
Filed Under: Dean's Message, Featured