F R O M T H E D E A N
It is an honor to join the University of Virginia School of Medicine as its 17th dean.
I'm full of excitement for all that's ahead. The talented and passionate students,
faculty, staff and alumni of this great school are why I wanted to take this job and
come to UVA.
During my first 100 days as dean, one of my goals is to learn as much as I can
from the people who are part of this community. I'm asking our students, faculty,
and staff the following questions: What are the School of Medicine's strengths?
What are you most proud of about UVA and the School of Medicine? What
opportunities do we have to be the best we can moving forward? I would also like
to hear from alumni and look forward to your input.
A deep focus on all of the School of Medicine's
missions is important to me, in part because I
plan to stay active as a clinician and researcher in
addition to my role as dean. I believe this will help
me understand the strengths as well as challenges
faced in our daily work across the School. As a
woman in a leadership position — and as someone
for whom diversity and equity are an important
part of who I am and what I want for our field —
I also want to lead by example. I know we can do
incredible things when working together.
I am already inspired by the generous alumni
working with us to support today's students, like
those in the Class of 1965. As I told SMD'25 at
their White Coat Ceremony, endowed by the Class
of 1965, I remember the excitement, anticipation, and incredible sense of
unlimited possibilities I felt waiting for my own white coat. I also vividly remember
what it felt like to put the white coat on for the first time, the incredible sense
of excitement for my future. I feel that same pride and excitement now. I have
immense gratitude to outgoing Dean David Wilkes, MD, for his brilliant leadership
in helping make this the special place I know it is, and I look forward to leading
the exceptional UVA School of Medicine forward.
In closing, I'm so glad you are a part of the School of Medicine family. Thank you
for your support.
Sincerely,
Melina Kibbe, MD
Dean, UVA School of Medicine
James Carroll Flippin Professor of Medical Science
Chief Health Affairs Officer, UVA Health
To send a welcome message to Dean Kibbe, visit UVAMedAlum.org/dean-kibbe
As a woman in a
leadership position —
and as someone for whom
diversity and equity
are an important part of
who I am and what I want
for our field — I also want
to lead by example.
Dear Alumni:l
