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College of Human Medicine

Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

November 14, 2025

Greetings Colleagues, 

The past two weeks have been filled with events that showcased the achievements, resilience and community spirit of our college. I’m reminded how fortunate we are to work alongside such dedicated people. Thank you for all you do to move our mission forward.

AAMC Learn Serve Lead


A group of College of Human Medicine leaders at the AAMC Learn Serve Lead Conference


The AAMC Learn Serve Lead event was held last week in San Antonio. This annual event brings together leaders in medicine, stoking collaboration and a common will to move health care education and research forward. For four days, we immersed ourselves in plenaries and workshops. My biggest takeaway was from a moving plenary by our past Surgeon General Vivek Murthy who highlighted that social connection is as essential to our health as food and water, I look forward to reading his book called “Together” which talks about the healing power of human connection in a sometimes lonely world.
 

Celebrating Tenured Faculty


Dean Rayamajhi with two recently tenured faculty and their department chairs


I was back at Cowles House for another reception, this time honoring new fully tenured professors including three from the College of Human Medicine. I’d like to congratulate Cristian Meghea, PhD, professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology; Kipling Bohnert, PhD, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and Amber Pearson, PhD, MPH, professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health. Reaching the milestone of a tenured professor is one of the highest accomplishments for a faculty member.

Pediatrics Department Retreat


A group of Pediatrics and Human Development faculty gathered in Flint for a department retreat


Last Saturday, I joined members of the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development for a cross-campus retreat at our Flint campus. It was inspiring to hear about all the incredible work they accomplished this year. It was fitting as I spoke about the significance of strong leadership during times of uncertainty, resonating with Churchill’s famous words around grit and resilience, of which the Flint community is emblematic. It can be hard to be optimistic when the headlines are grim and resources thin, but leadership in uncertain times isn't about pretending everything is fine. It’s about acknowledging what’s hard and finding resolve anyway.

Welcoming Our New Department Chairs


A large group of attendees gathered to celebrate our new department chairs


It felt wonderful visiting Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit last week as it’s a special place where I spent many hours on two different rotations as a resident. Welcoming our new chairs into our College of Human Medicine family and celebrating the HFH + MSU partnership found everyone in a festive mood. Congratulations to Drs. Ellen Air, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery; Steven Chang, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery; Benjamin Movsas, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology; David Ozog, chair of the Department of Dermatology; Craig Rogers, chair of the Department of Urology; and Richard Zarbo, chair of the Department of Pathology. I’d like to thank everyone who showed up to celebrate our new chairs and special thanks to those who made the trek across the state.

Recognizing Our Retiring Faculty

Dean Rayamajhi and two retiring faculty at a reception


Provost Laura Lee McIntyre, PhD, hosted an event honoring retiring faculty. Please join me in wishing John Fitzsimmons, MD; Jie Huang, PhD; Michael McLeod, MD; and Paul Schneider, MD, a joyous retirement and thanking them for their years of service on this momentous occasion. Their dedication and commitment will leave a lasting impact on our college. 

AOA Induction Ceremony


A screenshot of several recent AOA members from the virtual induction ceremony


Last night’s Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society induction ceremony recognized College of Human Medicine students, residents, faculty and alumni who hold themselves to the highest academic standards. Now inducted into AOA, these Spartans will be lifelong members. Please join me in congratulating individuals on their commitment to achievement, excellence, and service.

This afternoon, we welcome Provost McIntyre to Grand Rapids. She will tour the Secchia Center and experience firsthand how we are collaborating with our West Michigan health care partners and preparing the next generation of Spartan MDs.

Stay tuned for photos from her GR visit in the next update!

In Spartan Spirit,

Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, FACP
Interim Dean, MSU College of Human Medicine