2024 Year in Review: Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of growth, discovery, and excellence at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. There is a lot to celebrate.
The first full year of the Mission-Driven MD Program, exciting research, significant grant awards, and important faculty appointments are only a few of the year’s highlights. As we head into the holiday and a new year, take a moment to reflect on the work, joy, and community we continue to cultivate.
Education
First Year of the Mission-Driven MD Program
2024 marked the successful completion of the first full year of our new Mission-Driven MD Program. The program features a restructured student experience, student-led clinics, problem-based learning, longitudinal integrated clerkships, and more.
Match Rate Milestone
Our students achieved an outstanding 97% match rate, underscoring their preparedness for residency programs across the nation. Our 2024 graduates were matched into 24 specialties in 33 states, while 37 students matched into primary care and 40 matched into residencies here in Utah.
New Rural Primary Care Track
The creation of the Rural Primary Care Track reflects our commitment to addressing health care challenges in underserved areas. The track encourages and prepares students to become rural primary care providers. Students in the track are eligible for up to $45,000 in tuition support.
Final Beam on the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Building
Construction on the new state-of-the-art medical school building reached a key milestone as the final beam was placed—a moment of celebration for the future of medical education. Construction has progressed steadily, and we anticipate opening the building to students in 2026.
St. George Regional Campus Expansion
Earlier this year, Utah lawmakers approved funding to develop a regional campus in southern Utah.
Michelle G. Hofmann, MD, MPH, was appointed as interim Senior Associate Dean for the new St. George Reginal Medical Campus on August 1st. In partnership with Utah Tech University, Hofmann will identify an educational space for medical students, faculty, and staff. She will also take on recruiting responsibilities for the regional campus.
The campus is expected to open in 2027 with 25 MD students.
100% USMLE Step 2 Pass Rate
Our MS4 students celebrated a remarkable 100% pass rate on the USMLE Step 2 exam. This success is a testament to their hard work, an effective and rigorous curriculum, and the dedication of our medical school faculty.
New Division of Medical Education
This year, we launched a stand-alone Division of Medical Education with Katherine Anderson, MD, as division chief. The division will advance the development of the mission-driven program, campus expansion, and community partnerships.
New Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences
Previously housed in the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, the PA Program became the Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences.
Leigh Elrod, MPAS, PA-C, current chief of the division, was also appointed to the first-ever Don Pederson Endowed Chair.
MLS Program celebrates three years of High School Summer Immersion Camp
The Medical Laboratory Science Program hosted its third Summer Immersion Camp this summer. The camp brings high schoolers from around Utah together to learn and perform tests in hematology, immunology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular diagnostics, blood banking, and hemostasis.
Research
It’s impossible to fully encapsulate the breadth and depth of our research advancements in 2024. Here are a few highlights:
Diabetes Breakthroughs from Snail Toxins
Researchers Helena Safavi, PhD, and Ho Yan Yeung, PhD, from the Department of Biochemistry discovered snail toxins, which may pave the way for new medications to treat diabetes and hormone-related conditions.
Unraveling a Rare Neurological Disease
Stefan Pulst, MD, and K. Pattie Figueroa, a project manager in neurology, uncovered the cause of a rare neurological disease, offering hope for improved diagnoses and treatments.
Effects of COVID During Pregnancy
Torri Metz, MD, published pivotal research revealing the potential long-term effects of contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy. It’s an important discovery for providers as they monitor the health of their patients.
Origins of Creativity in the Brain
Neurosurgery faculty member Ben Shofty, MD, PhD, identified regions in the brain linked to creativity, contributing to our understanding of human cognition.
Awards and Recognitions
$6.53 Million Grant for Clean Air in Schools
Researchers secured a $6.53 million grant to address indoor air pollution in K–12 schools, improving health outcomes for children and educators.
2024 Horwitz Prize
Wesley Sundquist, PhD, received the prestigious Horwitz Prize for his contributions to biochemistry, including groundbreaking work on HIV.
Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award
K.C. Brennan, MD, was awarded a $5.4 million Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award to further research on migraines. His team’s advanced microscopy techniques are pushing the boundaries of headache research.
Faculty of the Year: Ty Dickerson, MD
Ty Dickerson, MD, was named Faculty of the Year from the Rural Health Association of Utah, honoring his dedication to global and rural health. Dickerson has been instrumental in leading the Health Resources and Services Administration grant. The grant was renewed in 2024 and helps fund programs, scholarships, faculty, and community outreach.
Vitae 2024 Rising Stars
Six faculty members were recognized as rising stars for their exceptional research contributions:
- Evan Goldstein, PhD – Population Health Sciences
- Keren Hilgendorf, PhD – Biochemistry
- Sabrina Malone-Jenkins, MD – Pediatrics
- Nirupama Ramkumar, MD – Internal Medicine
- Kota Takahashi, PhD – Health and Kinesiology
- Tsegaselassie Workalemahu, PhD – Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mark Supiano, MD, was elected president of the American Geriatrics Society, furthering his impactful work in aging research and care.
Looking Ahead
As we look to 2025, we remain inspired by the milestones of this past year. Together, we will continue to shape the future of medicine through innovative education, impactful research, and unwavering dedication to our mission.
Let’s celebrate the accomplishments of 2024 and look forward to an even brighter future!
