(From left) Aaron D. Smith and Catherine Lyons
The Virginia Journal of Medicine has emerged from its previous incarnation as the UVA Medical Student Review, marking a bold rebranding and revival that extends far beyond its original campus. Spearheaded by fourth-year medical students Aaron D. Smith and Catherine Lyons, this transformation is reshaping the landscape of student-led medical scholarship.
Built on a strong foundation of academic inquiry and creative expression, the new journal now welcomes submissions from medical schools across the United States. This collaborative initiative not only highlights UVA’s longstanding commitment to diverse scholarship but also fosters a broader national dialogue on healthcare innovation, research, and narrative medicine.
Key elements of the relaunch include:
- New Website and Monthly Blog: The revamped website serves as a dynamic hub for the journal. A monthly blog will feature concise summaries of field-leading publications, reflective narrative medicine essays, and visual art submissions—all produced by medical students. This platform is designed to engage a community of peers, educators, and healthcare professionals in meaningful conversations about the future of medicine.
- Inaugural Journal Edition: Celebrating the transition from the UVA Medical Student Review, the first official edition of the Virginia Journal of Medicine brings together a curated selection of high-quality work. The publication reflects the journal’s mission to encourage diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to advancing health and equity.
- Open Submission Portal for the Fall Edition: In an effort to further democratize medical scholarship, the journal has opened a submission portal for research articles for the upcoming Fall Edition. This new opportunity is extended to all U.S. medical students, inviting them to share original research, reviews, and creative works that contribute to the evolution of medical knowledge.
According to Aaron D. Smith and Catherine Lyons, the revival of the journal represents a significant step in evolving student voices and academic discourse. “Our goal is to create a platform that not only highlights the excellence within our local community at UVA but also invites collaboration and discussion from across the nation,” they explained. This spirit of inclusion is central to the journal’s vision of fostering a rich, multidisciplinary dialogue that bridges research, clinical practice, and the arts.
As the Virginia Journal of Medicine embarks on this new chapter, it carries forward the legacy of its predecessor while embracing a broader, more expansive future. The initiative promises to be a vital forum for emerging medical scholars eager to contribute insights, challenge conventional wisdom, and pioneer the transformation of healthcare practice and education.
Learn More
For more information, access to the new website, and details on how to submit your work, please visit the Virginia Journal of Medicine online. The revival marks not just a change in name, but a renaissance in student-driven excellence that is set to influence medical scholarship nationwide.
Filed Under: Education