Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

October 17, 2025

Greetings Colleagues, 

It has been an exciting few weeks as I start to settle into the Dean’s Office. I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines reporting state lawmakers approved $270M in funding for Rx Kids! We couldn’t be prouder of our own Mona Hanna, MD (CHM ’02), MPH, associate dean for public health and director of Rx Kids. This program is core to our mission and a good example of what our college does best; community partnership and combining programs and research which are making a real difference in people's lives.   

Here's a few highlights of the faces and places from my travels this fortnight.  

Miles for Medicine

Two weekends ago, my wife and I were among nearly 90 runners and walkers who participated in SNMA’s inaugural Miles for Medicine. Like many student-led events, it was in service to others – in this case, Care Free Medical Clinic. Proceeds will go towards operational costs and the purchase of new exam beds for the clinic. Thank you to the students and staff for hosting a fun event and supporting an important organization in our community.

Research Fundraising

Our college Advancement team welcomed other university fundraisers to the Grand Rapids Research Center earlier in the month. I had an opportunity to talk about the research happening with our Departments of Emergency Medicine, Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Pediatrics and Human Development, and Translational Neuroscience research in West Michigan. At a time when federal research funding is so uncertain, the work of our development officers is even more important.

Alumni Weekend

This snapshot of my first Dean’s Town Hall was just one of many enjoyable moments during Alumni Weekend. If you missed the conversation with Drs. John Baker (CHM ’87), Farhan Bhatti (CHM ’10) and Anatol Tolchinsky about the impact of mental health on patient behavior and decision making, listen to the recording here.

Chairs and Directors Retreat

Earlier this week, I attended two events at Cowles House. During our Department Chairs and Directors Retreat, we held productive conversations about goals and accomplishments and how to keep the positive momentum of our work moving forward. Provost Laura Lee McIntyre joined us and shared her thoughts and plans as well. She extended her visit after the retreat and helped celebrate the achievements and successes of our statewide faculty and staff as we ended the evening with our annual Awards and Recognition Reception (photo below!).

Next week, I’m heading to Marquette for the Spartan Bus Tour during its stop at the UP Campus. Wishing all those who celebrate a bright and prosperous Diwali.

Best,

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