Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown
May 22, 2026
Dear colleagues,
The winds of change blew in more ways than one on commencement day. Along with that spring breeze, I hope you felt the satisfaction of accomplishment, the love and support of family and friends, and a renewed call to continue serving others through medicine. Please enjoy this video recap of that momentous day. It was an honor to have Bobby Mukkamala, MD, president of the American Medical Association, as our commencement speaker. I hope you always keep in mind what Dr. Mukkamala said: “The future of medicine is not something that should just happen to you. It’s something you must help build.” Below is an infographic that is just a snapshot of the power we as Spartan MDs hold as we continue to build the future of medicine. Congratulations to each and every one of you.
Drs. Charron and Twins Go Viral
In case you missed it, two of our graduates are experiencing a moment in the spotlight. Jacob Charron, MD, his wife Alexandra Charron, MD, (’25) and their 20-month-old twin boys Matthew and Mark, are winning hearts and accolades around the world. A video featuring the young family produced by Nadija Kadunic, social media and digital marketing manager in our Marketing and Communications office, is going viral. Currently the video has more than 30 million views across several platforms. You can watch it here. Their message of not letting others’ doubts deter you from what is possible, has been picked up by People Magazine and WZZM. Look for future reports on the Charrons on Inside Edition and in USA Today.
Guskiewicz's Day in Grand Rapids
We were pleased to welcome MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, to Grand Rapids and the Secchia Center last Friday. He spent time talking with students, our generous donors, and alumni board members. He also provided an update on the One Team, One Health initiative.
President Guskiewicz’s visit coincided with Sock Out Suicide day. This initiative was started in 2018 by an Okemos teacher after the loss of her husband. Supporters of suicide prevention and advocates of widespread mental health care are urged to wear and show off their brightest and boldest socks to break the stigma associated with mental health. As people committed to whole-person care, recognizing the connection between physical and mental health, we were more than happy to take part in this effort aimed at mainstreaming lifesaving conversations.
Provost and New VP of Research and Innovation
In addition to having President Guskiewicz visit Grand Rapids, we were also honored to welcome Laura Lee McIntyre, PhD, provost, and Shashank Priya, PhD, vice president for Research and Innovation, to the Medical Mile last week. Provost McIntyre had the opportunity to tour Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, meet with faculty, and host a seminar titled “The Power and Promise of Family-Centered Interventions in Supporting Behavioral Health in Children with Autism and Related Disorders.” Dr. Priya toured the Doug Meijer Innovation Building and the Grand Rapids Research Center, where he met with faculty and key community partners to learn more about the impactful work taking place across our region.
Corewell Health Foundation West Gala
I ended last week in Grand Rapids, attending the Corewell Health Foundation West Gala, which highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to pediatrics and pediatric research. Throughout the week, I continued to be incredibly impressed by the exceptional work being accomplished through collaboration with so many outstanding health care and research partners, and by the shared commitment to advancing innovation, discovery, and improved outcomes for patients and families.
In Spartan Spirit,
Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, FACP
Interim Dean, MSU College of Human Medicine