Medical school names Amanda Murchison associate dean for student affairs

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine has named Amanda Murchison, an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist and educator, its new associate dean for student affairs. This appointment reflects her long-standing commitment to student success, mentorship, and medical education.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Murchison assume this pivotal leadership role. She brings a wealth of experience that will help her lead the student affairs team in providing our students with the essential support they need during their medical school journeys,” said Lee Learman, dean of the medical school. “As someone who has served as a residency program director, clerkship director, preceptor for our LACE [longitudinal ambulatory care experience] program, and medical student mentor, Dr. Murchison is well prepared to succeed Dr. Aubrey Knight in this role.”

A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston Medical School with a postgraduate residency in OB-GYN from the University of Florida, Murchison has held various influential roles throughout her career, contributing extensively to both clinical practice and academic leadership.

Murchison came to Roanoke in 2007 to take an OB-GYN position with Carilion Clinic and became a founding faculty member of the medical school. She served as the school’s first OB-GYN clerkship director. 

“At the time, I was looking to transition back from private practice to academic medicine and I’ve always been attracted to smaller cities that have strong health systems. I felt like that was the best of both worlds,” she said. “My husband [Dr. Ross Murchison], and I interviewed at a couple of academic medical centers, but the excitement surrounding a new medical school in Roanoke and the possibility to become involved in educational leadership was the kind of opportunity I wanted.”

Murchison has developed a reputation for being a passionate advocate for medical students and residents. Her clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of women’s health, with a particular focus on obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive health. She has been awarded multiple teaching awards for her work with OB-GYN residents.

“What I anticipate enjoying the most in this new role is what I have relished about being a residency program director. You really get to follow students over a four-year span as they put on their white coat, go into clerkships, go through match day and graduation,” she said. “Helping students make it through the challenges of medical school and find their path as a physician is extremely fulfilling.”

In her new role as associate dean for student affairs, Murchison will be responsible for overseeing student services. Her dedication to mentoring and helping students navigate the challenges of medical school aligns perfectly with the school's mission to cultivate future health care leaders and master adaptive learners.

Murchison succeeds Knight, who served as the head of student affairs at the school for more than a decade. He continues to work closely with students in his new role as Phase 2 curriculum director at the school. 

“I am thrilled to be turning over the leadership of student affairs to Dr. Murchison. She brings highly pertinent experiences as well as respect and credibility to the position. She has a calm, confident presence that fits perfectly with the role,” Knight said.

In addition to her leadership and teaching roles, Murchison remains active in clinical practice. Her work as an OB-GYN is informed by her commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. This dual focus on education and clinical work gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to help medical students bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world medical practice.

“Medicine has changed dramatically with the amount of information that is accessible to everyone and with such a clinical focus on electronic medical records. I believe it is important that students have formative face-to-face experiences with patients early on to develop their humanistic skills and understand the responsibilities of the profession,” Murchison said. “What’s most exciting to me is the chance to mentor students and help them find the specialty they are passionate about because it’s something they will be doing for the rest of their careers.”

Murchison’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for the school, as it continues to expand its programs and student services. Her appointment as associate dean for student affairs is a recognition of her dedication to student advocacy, her deep understanding of medical education, and her ability to inspire the next generation of physicians.

For more details about Murchison’s background and her new role, explore her full profile on the Virginia Tech experts website.