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College of Human Medicine

Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

April 10, 2026

 

Dear colleagues,

This week, I welcomed more than 65 accepted applicants and their families to First Look Day. The group toured Secchia Center and main campus, learned about our innovative curriculum, and connected with some of our students and faculty. It was a pleasure to see the energy and excitement as the applicants envision their futures as Spartan MDs.


Dean Rayamajhi speaking at first look day.

I’d like to highlight a few student accomplishments. Flint Campus student, Taylor Lombard, received the 2026 Excellence in Public Health Award from the U.S. Public Health Service Physician Professional Advisory Committee. This award honors her service to the community, research in barriers to health care, and leadership with Spartan Street Medicine-Flint.

Medical student Nathan Spix, PhD, was recently recognized for his scientific achievements with the Laird Lab at Van Andel Institute. He received the VAI Department of Epigenetics Research Excellence Award for his research published in Nature Communications.

Laura Freidhoff, MD, at the MSU Inclusive Excellence awards with Sparty.


Additionally, I’m pleased to highlight several faculty honors. At last week’s MSU Inclusive Excellence Awards, Laura Freidhoff, MD, senior specialist in the Office of Medical Education Research and Development, was honored for her leadership in inclusive medical education. Her work includes applied theatre collaborations on inclusive clinical care, curriculum development on diversity and medical ethics, and advocacy efforts that led to a Board of Trustees–approved policy expanding access to course benefits.

The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine selected Julie Phillips, MD, chair of the Department of Family Medicine, as the recipient of this year's Lynn and Joan Carmichael STFM Recognition Award. Her scholarly work on primary care shortages, family medicine workforce, and medical student career debt has directly influenced state and national policy.

Dohun Pyeon, PhD, professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, was one of nine MSU researchers named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). If you haven’t yet, take a moment to read Pyeon’s study in PNAS which uncovers a mechanism that allows certain head and neck cancers to hide from the immune system.

Finally, it’s National Public Health Week. It’s a perfect time to honor the many students, faculty, and staff dedicated to building healthier communities across Michigan. I appreciate how our public health mindset can be seen throughout the college and deeply supports our community mission.

In Spartan Spirit,

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