Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

October 31, 2025

Greetings Colleagues, 

As I round out the first month serving as your interim dean, you’ll see that I’ve traveled across much of Michigan, to D.C., and back. 

Spartan Bus Tour

The Spartan Bus Tour made a stop in Marquette where we highlighted our Rural Physician Program. Bus tour participants experienced what being a medical student is like from the white coat ceremony to graduation. The group split into smaller groups where instructors walked them through CPR training and how to assist in the birth of a baby. We also touched on the challenges of rural health care and physician shortages. I’m proud of how we train future Spartan MDs to serve patients in rural areas through our COMPASS elective. We know physicians who train in rural areas are more apt to return to and practice in the same or similar communities.

Supporting Future Doctors

Last Saturday, I attended an MSU-UM football pregame reception at Cowles House along with two of the Dean’s Scholars. I want to thank scholars Nishika Patel (M4) and Esha Elah (M1). Their advocacy work is already in full swing – connecting with donors and legislators to share their unique perspectives as students in the College of Human Medicine. People are more likely to support our future Spartan MDs when they hear directly from them. We were able to meet and thank several of our generous donors. Philanthropy plays a critical role in expanding access to medical education and care and enabling students from diverse backgrounds to pursue training without undue financial burden.

Student Mentorship

Last Friday, I met with College of Human Medicine alumnus, influencer, and entrepreneur Dhaval Bhanusali, MD (’10), who spent the morning with several of our dermatology students, sharing his med school journey and career as a dermatologist in NYC. He’s a proud Spartan and generous donor – not only through philanthropy, but also the gift of mentorship. He’ll be sharing more of his insights with our students in the future through a new scholarship program. Keep an eye out for details on that soon.

Health Care Policy Retreat in Washington, D.C.

As part of my Physician MBA program through Indiana University Kelley School of Business, I joined fellow colleagues in Washington D.C. to discuss various topics like persuasive and strategic lobbying, and organized advocacy around issues important to our mission. We heard from prior legislators on current topics including visa issues, NIH funding, the Grad PLUS loan cap, projected insolvency of Medicare by 2032, and subpar health outcomes despite the astronomical cost of health care in our country. Among those in attendance were College of Human Medicine alumni Brian Tesler, MD (’14) and Dave Burkhard, MD (’18). 

It has been a whirlwind of a month working with new and continuing college friends and colleagues. I am grateful for your support as we move full steam ahead into November. On the horizon we have daylight saving time this weekend and then please make note of the One Team One Health webinar hosted by the Research Task Force on Wednesday, November 5 at 12 p.m. Your input on its draft recommendations is important. The college is also looking forward to the provost’s visit to Grand Rapids on Friday, November 14.

Best Regards,

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