On Friday, October 24, the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the UVA Medical Alumni Association co-hosted a special ceremony to honor the legacy of Robert M. Carey, MD, Res ’66, with the dedication of the newly named Carey Courtyard and the unveiling of a commemorative bust. Held in the courtyard between the MR4, MR5, and MR6 buildings, the event welcomed more than 100 attendees, including family, friends, alumni, colleagues, and leaders from UVA and UVA Health.
A globally recognized leader in endocrinology, Carey’s influence spans research, education, and institutional advancement. He joined the UVA faculty in 1973 and served as director of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism from 1978 to 1986. From 1986 to 2002, Carey served as the longest-tenured dean of the School of Medicine, founding several key departments, including public health sciences, emergency medicine, radiation oncology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. In 2015, he co-led the development of new guidelines on high blood pressure issued by the American Heart Association.
With Carey sitting in the front row alongside his wife, Theodora, (pictured at left) the ceremony opened with remarks from Mitch Rosner, MD, executive vice president and chief executive officer of UVA Health, who reflected on Carey’s enduring impact on the School of Medicine. “As someone who had the privilege of serving as chair of the Department of Medicine, where Dr. Carey spent many years as a distinguished faculty member in the Division of Endocrinology, I can say without hesitation that his influence continues to shape our institution in ways both visible and deeply felt,” Rosner said.
Additional speakers included Don Detmer, MD; Richard Santen, MD; and Alicia Dagli, MD, ’95, Carey’s daughter, who spoke on behalf of the Carey family. Dagli expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported Carey’s work throughout his career, citing many of his academic and research colleagues at UVA who were in attendance at the ceremony. She also spoke about her father’s lasting influence. “We hold your accomplishments in the highest regard. You’ve left a legacy of honesty, humility, integrity, and compassion to us, your children and grandchildren, as well as those who have known you,” Dagli said.
The bust of Carey was unveiled by Colin Derdeyn, MD ’88, interim dean of the School of Medicine. The unveiling was followed by a reception.
Reprinted from the UVA Medical Alumni Association website, where you can view more photos by Coe Sweet.
