Message from the Provost and VPHA

There has never been a better time to be a student at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. With the new GW Hospital fully operational, our students have new opportunities for exciting educational experiences in a state-of-the art facility. In addition, we are on the forefront of meeting the healthcare challenges presented in this new era of terrorism and are designing training for our region’s first responders. We boast a first class faculty with real world experiences and are proud to continue our tradition of quality instruction and mentoring for our students.

Our students’ “hands on” training is supplemented through our Integrated Education and Research Center located on the 6th floor of the GW Hospital. This includes our Clinical Learning and Simulated Skills (CLASS) Center where our students learn procedures in one of two surgical simulation suites using highly sophisticated computer controlled mannequins. Students also hone their clinical skills in a suite of patient exam rooms through the use of standardized patients. Our program is already recognized for improving the way teaching and evaluations are done for healthcare professionals in training.

Diversity is the benchmark for our student population. Because of our location in the nation’s capital and our proximity to such organizations as the World Health Organization, the National Academy of Sciences and the National Institutes of Health and because of our extensive affiliations, we are able to attract the brightest and best students from a broad cross section of social, cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds. This gives our student body rich experiences from the beginning of their tenure at GW.

GW’s long tradition of excellent research exposes our students to a wealth of opportunities. We continue to be on the cutting edge of research in five primary areas: Cancer and Molecular Oncology, Cardiovascular Diseases and Vascular Biology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Neurobehavioral Sciences, and Public Health and Health Services. This year will officially launch our Cancer Institute that will focus on the cancers prevalent in our own backyard and present a body of research to address everything from causes to treatment.

Our primary missions will continue to be education, research and superior clinical care. As we enter a new era at the GW Medical Center, we owe our success to the students who enrich their educational experience and ours with their enthusiasm and desire to learn and push the bar even higher. This is a challenge for our faculty that is met with equal enthusiasm. It is my hope that you will join our special family at the GW Medical Center during these very exciting times.

John F. Williams, MD, EdD
Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs
About Dr. Williams