More than 30 medical students from the University of Virginia School of Medicine made their mark at the 2025 Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) Annual Meeting in Norfolk, VA, where they showcased research, led policy discussions, and advanced new health initiatives. This year’s meeting also marked the inauguration of Mark D. Townsend, MD, as president of the Medical Society.
Founded in 1820, MSV is a professional organization that represents physicians, residents, medical students, and physician assistants across Virginia. Its mission is to promote high-quality healthcare and make Virginia the best place to practice medicine. MSV offers advocacy, education, leadership development, and professional support services for medical professionals statewide.
In recent years, UVA trainees have played a key role in increasing engagement within the MSV, and this year was no different. The leadership team of the MSV included several UVA students:
- Areesheh Khan, M3 – Vice Chair, Medical Student Section
- Vignesh Senthilkumar, G1-MD/PhD – MSV Board of Directors; MSV Advocacy Committee
- Ishaan Rischie, M4 – MSV Foundation Board of Directors
- Shalvi Patel, M3 – Chair of Community Service, Medical Student Section
- Kathryn Riggs, M3 – Chair of Engagement, Medical Student Section
- Zain Ahmad, M2 – Representative to the MSVPAC Board
Furthermore, five resolutions authored by UVA medical students passed the MSV House of Delegates and are now official MSV policy. Physicians across the state commended these student-authored resolutions for being thoughtful, well-written, and for addressing important healthcare issues.
- “Support for Medicaid Coverage of Hearing Devices and Related Services” by M2 students Paige Hinman and Alexia Childress
- “Prioritizing Child Safety in Custody Decisions” by M2 students Alexia Childress, Elianna Dunster, and Vikram Srinath, and M4 student Sadie English.
- “Exploration of Social Prescribing Programs” by M2 students Elianna Dunster, Zoe Ziff, and Tanvika Vegiraju
- “Protect Immigrants From Discrimination” by M2 students Zain Ahmad, Cindy Li, and Bhoomi Shah
- “Regulating Private Equity in the Healthcare Market” by G4-MD/PhD student Rusty Hawes
These new MSV policies will advance advocacy efforts statewide, addressing child safety in custody cases through Kayden’s Law, healthcare market regulation, equitable coverage expansion, and patient anti-discrimination protections.
Through their active participation in MSV, UVA medical students continue to shape the policies that define the future of healthcare in Virginia and beyond. Additionally, the University of Virginia School of Medicine values the MSV’s generous and long-standing support for future physicians across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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