Colin Derdeyn, MD
This week, University of Virginia and UVA Health leadership announced the appointment of Colin Derdeyn, MD, as Interim Dean of the UVA School of Medicine. Dr. Derdeyn received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from UVA, returning to his alma mater in January 2024 as Chair of Radiology and Medical Imaging following several distinguished clinical and leadership roles at University of Iowa Healthcare and Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes Jewish Hospital.
Dr. Derdeyn and Dean Melina Kibbe will begin the leadership transition period immediately, with Dean Kibbe leaving her role effective Sept. 3. It was also announced that Howard Goodkin, MD, former Chair of Neurology, will serve as Dr. Derdeyn’s senior advisor for a period of six months.
To read the full announcements from Mitchell Rosner, MD, Interim EVP for Health Affairs; Brie Gertler, Interim EVP and Provost, University of Virginia; and Dr. Derdeyn, team members may visit UVA Health Connect.
Dr. Derdeyn’s personal message to the UVA School of Medicine community with respect to his appointment as Interim Dean is reprinted below.
Dear Colleagues,
I am honored to serve as interim Dean of the School of Medicine. This is both a privilege and a responsibility I take deeply to heart.
Thank you for your valuable engagement and thoughtful feedback during the selection process. I heard your confidence in my ability to bring steadiness, collaboration, and transparency — and your call to strengthen all parts of our mission: research, education, clinical care, and community engagement.
I will work to build trust, listen to all voices, and ensure diverse perspectives are represented in our decisions. Our success depends on harnessing the strengths of every department and discipline.
We face real challenges in the months ahead — recruitment, funding pressures, and the need to maintain momentum in a time of change — but I believe our extraordinary people and our dedication to all our missions will carry us forward. Together, we can strengthen our foundation today and position ourselves for lasting success.
In the coming days, I will be in contact to detail some of my plans as well as pathways for communication with me that will facilitate our mutual goals.
I look forward to working alongside you to advance our shared mission.
With gratitude and optimism,
Colin P. Derdeyn, MD
Interim Dean, UVA School of Medicine
Professor of Radiology, Neurology and Neurological Surgery
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