Appalachian Plateau

Who we Are

Every year, 1st year medical students at the VCU School of Medicine are sorted into 4 different societies – and you have been chosen to join the mighty Appalachian Plateau Society! Congratulations!

Within your society, you will have the chance to experience a more intimate community of roughly 50 classmates within your class. How so?

Many of your assigned seating, standardized patient encounters, and small group sessions will be with other Appalachian Plateau members.
Your big buddy and advisor are also from Appalachian Plateau
Society Social Mixers
And of course, periodic competitions against other societies that can help Appalachian Plateauearn points toward winning the highly coveted Buckley Bowl!

So get excited for a great start as you begin your medical career because not only will you have each other, you will also have 3 generations of Appalachian Plateau Bears and your wonderful advisor, Dr. Rigby, to support you too!

Our Mascot

There is a famous statue of Three Bears now located in the lobby of the Critical Care Hospital that was commissioned 72 years ago by President of MCV Dr. William Sanger (of Sanger Hall fame). To him, the MCV campus and the Native Americans, the bear symbolized strength and a source of healing. Now too is it our symbol.

From Your Society Advisor: Dr. Fidelma B. Rigby

fidelma.rigby@vcuhealth.org

Welcome Appalachian Plateau Bears of the Class of 2022! I am an OB/GYN in the division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and in charge of the Third Year OB/GYN Clerkship and OB/GYN Fourth year students. I am also proud to be your Appalachian Plateau Advisor!

As such, I would love to catch up with each of you this upcoming year as we prepare for yet another great year of activities planned by your student leaders. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our student leaders if we can be of any assistance in the years ahead.
Go Appalachian Plateau!!!!!

Mens et Manus – “hands and mind”