As I write this, 2024 is well underway and we are off to an exciting start. Our first- and second-year medical students, and many of our pre-med/pre-health and interdisciplinary/career-oriented graduate students are enjoying the academic experience in the new Health Sciences Building, while the biomedical graduate students continue their training at Queen Lane and the New College Building. In West Reading, our third-year medical students are having great success in their clinical rotations at Reading Hospital.

I am pleased and honored that Leon McCrea II, MD, MPH, has accepted the role of Deborah J. Tuttle, MD, and John P. Piper, MD, Vice Dean for Educational Affairs. Dr. McCrea’s dedicated service to the College of Medicine, most recently as senior associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, has been invaluable, and he brings to his new role a wealth of experience and expertise.

We also recently welcomed Erum Ilyas, MD ’01, MBE, to a new role as interim academic chair of our provisional Department of Dermatology. Dr. Ilyas has an impressive record as a clinical dermatologist and an educator, and under her leadership, dermatology education and research will surely flourish at the College.

Mauricio Reginato, PhD, who has served as interim chair of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology since 2021, has accepted the role of chair of the department. Dr. Reginato has a long history of service to the College of Medicine. He is a proven mentor and leader who will continue to foster outstanding educational programs for both PhD and MS candidates, and conduct renowned research on the molecular basis of disease.

Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I thank Donna M. Russo, PhD, HU ’89, for her decades of service to the College of Medicine, as she embarks on a new role as the assistant secretary of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education at the Association of American Medical Colleges. Dr. Russo has been a driving force for MD education and curricular development, leading us through accreditation cycles and playing an instrumental role in the creation of the Foundations and Frontiers MD program curriculum. As I am writing this, Match Day is just over a month away. I am certain our MD class of 2024 will make us proud with successful residency matches. Shortly thereafter, our 2024 Commencement ceremony will be upon us. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students with our esteemed faculty and professional staff who have worked so tirelessly to teach and mentor them.

I could not be prouder of our College of Medicine community. The beginning of each new year is an opportune time to recall what first motivated you, and what now inspires you. I am optimistic about the rest of this year and all that we continue to achieve together.

Charles B. Cairns, MD
Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean
Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs