Exciting Developments in the College of Human Medicine: Dean’s Update for August 15, 2025

August 15, 2025 – Aron Sousa, MD

This week, I met our new medical students. All 190 gathered in Life Sciences 133, a room many remember well. For years, it was where students watched a broken clock. Time moved slowly there, but now, the clock is fixed.

Welcoming these students is a joy. They’re dedicating 7-10 years to learning how to care for patients. Over my years at the College of Human Medicine, I’ve greeted 21 classes. Each time, I share my love for being a physician and the importance of seeing patients, even as my practice time has decreased.

I usually talk for about 20 minutes and answer questions. I tell them how they made an excellent choice by joining our community-focused medical college. We’re unique in our approach to research and education, reaching out to communities across Michigan.

Recently, I spent three days in Grand Rapids. Our expansion there marks a significant shift for the college. We’ve moved from focusing mainly on education to creating a vibrant center for education, research, clinical care, and advocacy.

In 2007, the university committed to building the $90 million headquarters for our college in Grand Rapids. That investment has turned into four buildings, thousands of student placements each year, and over $3 billion in economic activity in West Michigan.

On Wednesday, the MSU Capital Campaign launched in Grand Rapids. We celebrated generous gifts, like those from Rich and Helen DeVos and Peter and Joan Secchia, which fully funded the Secchia Center. This support has transformed us. I had a special moment introducing Jim Williams to DaVarius Carter, a scholarship recipient. Their joy was contagious.

This Saturday is the Teddy Bear Health Fair at the Flint Cultural Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Hope Bear is expected to make an appearance!

Serving the people with you,

Aron Sousa, MD, FACP

Dean, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

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