Virginia Journal of Medicine: Spring Edition 2025

Dear Readers,

We are proud to reintroduce a journal born at UVA—now reimagined as the Virginia
Journal of Medicine (VJM)—a renewed platform to elevate the voices, research, and
stories of those shaping the future of healing.

Originally launched in 2022 as the University of Virginia Medical Student Review
(UVAMSR), this journal began as a space for UVA medical, nursing, and public
health students to share their work and perspectives on medicine. Today, we honor
that original mission while expanding its reach and potential. With this relaunch, we
are setting the stage for a much larger multisite journal—one that connects medical
researchers across institutions to foster dialogue, discovery, and shared growth.
This edition features pieces exclusively from UVA medical researchers, whose
creativity, insight, and dedication have helped bring this revived issue to life. We are
inspired by the depth and diversity of the submissions and grateful to the editors,
writers, and mentors who made it possible.

Looking ahead, we are excited to launch a national editorial board for our upcoming
fall edition and to open submissions to all academic institutions who aim to publish
their research with the Virginia Journal of Medicine. By doing so, we hope to create
a vibrant, innovative publication that reflects the evolving landscape of
medicine—and the voices shaping its future from all perspectives.

We extend our sincere thanks to the previous editorial team of the UVAMSR,
especially Janet Yan and Christian Renwick, for their thoughtful contributions to the
content in this edition. Their hard work and vision helped lay the foundation for
what is now the Virginia Journal of Medicine, and we are grateful to build on their
legacy. To our readers, contributors, and supporters: thank you for joining us in this
next chapter. We’re honored to share this journey with you.

Ever guided by one enduring principle: Salus. Scientia. Progressus. Pro Omnibus.

Warmly,

Catherine Lyons Aaron D. Smith
Co-Editors in Chief, VJM