Eastern Virginia Medical School

Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) stands out as a beacon of medical innovation and community commitment. Renowned for its groundbreaking work in reproductive medicine, including being the first U.S. institution to achieve a viable fetus through in vitro fertilization, EVMS also excels in simulation and standardized-patient education. Its academic strengths are further showcased through significant research contributions in pediatrics, geriatrics, diabetes, cancer, and neuroscience, all while upholding its motto: "Community focus. World impact."

The school's unique history began in the 1960s, born from a grassroots movement in the Hampton Roads area to combat a critical shortage of physicians. Despite Thomas Jefferson having envisioned Norfolk as an ideal medical school site as early as 1824, it wasn't until 1973 that EVMS welcomed its first MD students, backed by an impressive $17 million in community and business donations. This foundation underscores its deep ties to the region and its mission to serve local healthcare needs.

Having historically operated independently, EVMS has evolved significantly. Effective July 1, 2024, EVMS officially merged with Old Dominion University, integrating as the medical school component of the larger university. This merger promises to further enhance its comprehensive educational and research capabilities, expanding opportunities for its growing student body, which is projected to reach approximately 1,000. Under the leadership of President Alfred Z. Abuhamad, EVMS continues to push the boundaries of medical education and patient care.

Students at EVMS benefit from a rich clinical environment, coordinating training through multiple medical centers across the Hampton Roads region. Its campus notably includes Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the area's only tertiary Level 1 trauma facility, and the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, the state's sole stand-alone children's hospital. With one in four local physicians having a connection to EVMS, its graduates are integral to the health and well-being of the communities they serve.