Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

August 14, 2026

Dear colleagues,

This week, I had the privilege of welcoming the College of Human Medicine incoming Class of 2026 to Michigan State University. Looking out at this remarkable group of students, I was reminded that no two journeys to medicine are the same. Each student brings a unique background and life experience, and it is that diversity of stories, perspectives, and passions that makes our college stronger. My first message to them was simple: You belong here.

I encouraged them to carry that message with them through every challenge and triumph ahead. Medical school will bring moments of joy, uncertainty, accomplishment, and growth. Through it all, I hope they remember something I deeply believe in: relationships matter most. As I shared with the class, "There is one primary in this life, and that is relationship. Everything else is secondary and tertiary, derived from your relationships." The connections they build over the next four years will be among the most meaningful ones of their lives.

Please join me in thanking the team from the Office of Student Affairs and Services for all their work on orientation activities, including putting together the Student Organization and Resource Fair at Munn Arena.

Cracking Chemo Resistance

I’d like to highlight Sachi Horibata, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Dr. Horibata and her team have made great strides in identifying the protein responsible for making ovarian cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy and finding a way to reverse the process. She’s received much media interest this summer, and I thank her for sharing her expertise both locally, with WZZM and WILX, and nationally.

Dean's Retreat

Provost Laura Lee McIntyre, PhD, led a retreat for the university’s deans at Cowles House this week. She addressed the headwinds facing higher education and some strategic planning for enhancing enrollment. She also covered President Kevin Guskiewicz’s Modernization of General Education initiative. Led by the provost’s office and developed by the university’s faculty, staff, and administrative leaders, this undertaking is designing a curriculum to better prepare undergraduate students for the evolving workforce, emphasizing vertical learning, experiential education, and undergraduate research. 

MSU Medicine Self-Nominations

Speaking of the provost, I hope you caught the email from OneTeamOneHealth@msu.edu announcing the formation of working groups as a next step toward MSU Medicine. Members of these groups will play a critical role in shaping the future by developing recommendations, addressing key implementation questions, and helping establish the structures and processes that will guide this initiative. We encourage you to submit your self-nomination by Wednesday, August 26, at 12pm.

Tomorrow, I look forward to being in Flint as they kick off the city’s biggest week of the year. We are proud to partner with the Health Alliance Crim Festival of Races in bringing our Teddy Bear Health Fair to the city. This event really leans into everything we are at the College of Human Medicine from service to nurturing relationships in the communities we serve.
 

In Spartan Spirit,

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