January 2026
Deans Message
Dear Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Community,
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2026, a year replete with exciting milestones for our medical school.
This year, we will welcome new chairs in Family and Community Medicine (Grant Greenberg) and Emergency Medicine (Rose Fernandez), and complete the search process for the chair of Orthopaedics, as well as leadership positions in faculty affairs and our HSSIP (health systems science and interprofessional practice) curriculum. The Class of 2028, the first cohort experiencing our new VTCSOM Identities Curriculum, will start Phase 2 of their medical education (clerkship clusters + intersessions) earlier than any previous class. In July, we will welcome the third cohort, the Class of 2030.
Our Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) survey will occur this year, 8 years after our prior survey. The preliminary self-study process, including many faculty, staff, and students, will shift into high gear as we finalize our dossier to submit to LCME in June, and make final preparations to welcome the site visit team in September. In the coming months, we will gather follow-up data on areas our students have identified for improvement and reach out to specific stakeholder groups to ensure they feel prepared for the site visit team’s questions. Preparation updates will become standing agenda items at most VTCSOM meetings.
The Commonwealth of Virginia will soon begin developing its budget for the biennium starting in July 2026, creating opportunities for two substantial milestones for VTCSOM. Funding for a new medical school building was scheduled for approval in the 2025-26 budget year, but was postponed until there was a clearer picture of the Commonwealth’s financial performance. Last year’s budget provided $6.5 million in earmarked operating funds to VTCSOM on a one-time basis. This was an important precedent, signaling the Commonwealth’s interest in providing continuous base budget funding moving forward to support enrollment growth and reduced tuition for in-state students. We were glad to see that the building funds and partial base funding were included in Governor Youngkin’s proposed budget released in December, and recognize that the budget will undergo substantial analysis and modification before it is finalized for consideration by the new governor. We hope to learn in June whether we will receive funding for one or both of these strategic requests.
We look forward to welcoming a new provost, Julie Ross, to her post as she transitions from her prior position as dean in the VT College of Engineering. I have had the pleasure of working with Dean Ross since my arrival in July 2019. She has an enormous fund of knowledge and experience to bring to her new role, and has expressed her interest and commitment to supporting our work in the VTC partnership.
I look forward to the journey ahead with you in what promises to be another remarkable year for our medical school!
Warm regards,
Lee A. Learman, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Events
Humanism Note
Congratulations
VTCSOM proudly congratulates Anita Kablinger, M.D., DLFAPA, on achieving 30 years of membership with the APA. In recognition of this significant milestone, Dr. Kablinger’s membership has been elevated to Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, effective January 1, 2026. This distinction reflects her long-standing dedication to the field of psychiatry and places her among an esteemed group of psychiatrists who have demonstrated sustained commitment to their profession.
Publishing
- Nicholas Rider, professor in the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science, worked with a colleague on "From Chatbots to Clinicians: The Future of AI-Assisted Allergy Advice," published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
- PhD student Brian Nguyen worked with mentor Monifa Vaughn-Cooke, associate professor in the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science, on "Design and Labeling Differences Between Generic and Reference Listed Drug Inhalers: Human Factors Considerations in US FDA-Approved Devices," published in Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery.
- Serkan Toy, associate professor in the Departments of Basic Science Education and Health Systems and Implementation Science, collaborated with colleagues on "Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Pediatric Neurologic Emergencies: A Simulation-Based Medical Education Program for Emergency Medicine Trainees India," published in AEM Education and Training.
- Kristofer Rau, assistant professor in the Department of Basic Science Education, worked with research partners on "Tissue Damage-Induced Axon Injury-Associated Responses in Sensory Neurons: Requirements, Prevention, and Potential Role in Persistent Post-Surgical Pain," published in Frontiers in Pain Research.
- A. Paul Dallas, associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, collaborated with colleagues on "Internal Medicine Residency Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Consensus Recommendations for Core Indications and Applications," published in the American Journal of Medicine.
- Michelle Rockwell, co-director of Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice Phase 1 and assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, co-mentored Camille Mittendorf, class of 2028, along with Elizabeth Polk, associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, on "Coprescribing GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Lifestyle," published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
- Bria Hall, class of 2025, worked with co-mentors Brian Meier, assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Henry Rice, Department of Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine, along with Marie Rhoads, class of 2026, Matthew Drescher, class of 2027, Kevin Sheng, class of 2029, Angelica Witcher Walker, assistant dean for student vitality and career development and assistant professor in the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science, Cara Spivey, instructor in the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science, Terri-Ann Wattsman, associate professor in the Department of Surgery, Allison Tegge, associate professor in the Department of Basic Science Education, and other colleagues on "Family Decision-Making During Access to Surgical Care for Children: A Qualitative Analysis and Conceptual Framework," published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery.
- Matthew Vinson, class of 2025, worked with mentors John Epling, vice chair of research and population health and professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Michelle Rockwell, along with Spivey, Tegge, and other colleagues on "A Brief, Theory-Driven Patient Education Video Reduces High-Risk Over-the-Counter Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Use," published in PLOS ONE.
- Alan Dogan, class of 2026, Neel Patel, class of 2027, and Carter Gottschalk, class of 2026, collaborated with Umar Sofi, associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, and colleagues from Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech on "Continuous Non-Invasive Measurement of Tidal Volume and Minute Ventilation Using a Smart Nasal Cannula," published in Critical Care.
- Randall Bissette, class of 2025, collaborated with mentor Peter Apel, associate professor, Cesar Bravo, associate professor, and resident Nicholas Peterman, all from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, along with other co-authors on "Patient-Directed Care After Carpal Tunnel Release Using Video Integration and Digital Education After Operations (VIDEO Trial): A Randomized Controlled Trial," published in Hand.
- Hannah Karp, class of 2026, worked with mentor Jayasimha Rao, associate professor, and co-mentor Elizabeth Nowak, assistant professor, both from the Department of Internal Medicine, along with colleagues from Virginia Tech on "Polydopamine-Antibiotic Composite Coating for Antibiofilm Applications," published in Macromolecular Bioscience.
- Liliana Ladner, class of 2025, collaborated with co-mentor Eric Marvin, associate professor, Cara Rogers, assistant professor, and residents Srijan Adhikari and Cole Sloboda, along with assistant professors Vaibhav Patel and Adeolu Olasunkanmi, all from the Department of Neurosurgery, and fellow students Julianna Barbaro, class of 2028, Collin Tanchanco, class of 2026, Steven Thomas, class of 2027, and Neel Patel, class of 2027, and other colleagues on "Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Prediction of Survival in Adolescent Spinal Cord Injury Patients," published in Child's Nervous System.
- Tara Menon, class of 2028, and Ayushi Ambekar, class of 2028, worked with Collin Tanchanco, class of 2026, and Jordan Darden, assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, along with another colleague on "Exploring the Neurological Impact of Prematurity: Shared Mechanisms in Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL), Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH), and Hydrocephalus," published in Early Human Development.
- Kendal Burnette, class of 2023, collaborated with mentor John Tuttle, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and another colleague on "Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using Biceps Tendon Autograft With Novel Biceps Tenodesis Arthroscopic Fixation: A Case Report," published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports.
- Andrew Strohman, MD-PhD student, worked with Wynn Legon, assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, on "Neuromodulation of the Cingulate Cortex for Pain," a review based on his PhD research published in The Neuroscientist.
- Samantha Speroni, class of 2024, collaborated with surgery faculty including Katie Bower, associate professor, Bryan Collier, professor, Farrell Adkins, assistant professor, Michael Nussbaum, chair and professor, and Jacob Gillen, associate professor, all from the Department of Surgery, along with resident Rebecca Gates, class of 2019, and other colleagues on "Preoperative Administration of Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Is Associated With Increased Transfusion Rate in Elective Colorectal Surgery Patients," published in The American Surgeon.
Spotlight on Giving
Save the Date
It’s almost Giving Day! Mark your calendar for Feb. 18-19 from noon to noon and Let’s make this the BEST Giving Day yet: give.vt.edu/supportvtcsom
Alumni Update
Johnson Dinner in Roanoke, VA
In early January 2026, Drs. Cynda and Bruce Johnson hosted a dinner at Frankie Rowland’s for our local VTCSOM alumni, who currently practice in the Roanoke region and serve on our VTC Faculty. We were joined by twelve of our VTCSOM alumni and their spouses. Thank you to Drs. Cynda and Bruce Johnson for a great evening!
Dr. Kenan Michaels ’22 (right) recently visited VTCSOM to lead a Keith’s Wrap-Up session. He is the first-ever VTCSOM alum to return and lead a Keith’s Wrap-Up session. Dr. Michaels is currently in his first year as a Hematology/Oncology fellow at UVA. Great to see you Dr. Michaels!
Let us introduce you to the City of Roanoke’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, our very own VTCSOM graduate, Dr. Robert Brown ’14! Dr. Brown is an emergency medical physician at Carilion Clinic and volunteers weekly at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke. Congratulations Dr. Brown!
Do you have any news to share?
Are you moving on to private practice or a fellowship? Did you get married? Have a baby? Get published, receive an award, or promoted? Tell us all about it! Email your update to vtcsomalumn@vt.edu or fill out our survey.
Carilion Recruitment
Interested in returning to Roanoke or the surrounding areas to work and play? Carilion Clinic has outstanding employment opportunities available in many specialties. Visit Carilionclinic.org, scroll to Careers and then Physician Careers for more information. You may also reach out to Andrea Henson, director of physician recruitment & onboarding (ahenson@carilionclinic.org) or 540-224-5241.
Take Note
Dean Lee Learman and VTCSOM leaders recently honored Dr. Joseph Moskal at the conclusion of his tenure as Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Moskal has played a foundational role in shaping orthopaedic care and education in our region, including leading the integration of Roanoke Orthopaedic Center and Carilion Bone and Joint, establishing the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Carilion Clinic in 2014, and helping form the Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosciences. Under his leadership, the department grew from nine surgeons to a nationally recognized academic practice of 50 physicians spanning all orthopaedic subspecialties, while also launching multiple residency and fellowship programs.
As the inaugural chair of the department, Dr. Moskal’s vision, steady leadership, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on our institution, our learners, and the patients we serve. While he will remain an active contributor to Carilion and VTCSOM, we extend our deepest gratitude for his extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication. His legacy will continue to influence orthopaedic surgery, education, and patient care for years to come.
Dean Learman also recognized two other departmental leaders for their service to the school:
- Dr. Paul Haskins served as interim chair of the Department of Emergency
Medicine. - Dr. Mark Greenawald served as interim chair of the Department of Family and
Community Medicine
Last Note
DOCS FOR MORGAN
Fundraiser Basketball Game
7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Patrick Henry High School Gym
Docs for Morgan is an annual basketball challenge between Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine students and Carilion Clinic residents and attending physicians.
The event was founded in 2012 by Carilion Clinic physicians to honor Morgan and support her parents, Daniel and Gil Harrington. Dan Harrington serves as vice dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Docs for Morgan supports an annual scholarship for deserving students at the school and reflects Morgan’s passion for education.
Morgan was an intern at the school and a Virginia Tech student before she was tragically murdered in 2009. The scholarship fund was created in her memory and has raised more than $375,000 to benefit students at the School of Medicine.
To Learn More About Docs for Morgan