Trustee’s Corner: Michele Romano, M.D.

The monumental columns of the iconic Egyptian Building on the MCV Campus are just a few of the beloved structure’s revered architectural details.   

For Michele Romano, M.D., the four columns represent more than structural integrity. They are the figurative pillars on which VCU Health and VCU Health Sciences stand today: cutting-edge research, world-renowned education, the epitome of great medical care, and — maybe among the most important — a deep sense of community that stretches well beyond Richmond’s city limits.  

A former nurse, a retired family practice physician and a 1984 VCU School of Medicine alum, Dr. Romano joined the MCV Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018.  She previously served on the VCU Board of Visitors from 2002 to 2010, as well as the VCU Health System Authority Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009 and the VCU School of Medicine Advisory Council from 1989 to 2005.  

She’s seen an evolution at VCU over the decades from her time as a student and later as housestaff at the hospital. What Dr. Romano said she is most proud of today is the strong relationship forged between the MCV and Monroe Park campuses.   

“We’re not silos anymore — we’re cross-collaborating, and that’s very good for everyone,” Dr. Romano said. “Each campus appreciates the other’s strengths and what they bring to the table, and it allows us to do the work we need to do to improve health everywhere.” 

This collaboration has cemented VCU’s status as a top-tier university and health system.    

“It used to be that VCU Health was thought of as a hospital and health system for indigent care, and maybe it did a little research,” she said. “Now we are an outstanding research, teaching and clinical hospital and health care system that also takes care of our most vulnerable people.”  

Dr. Romano said the MCV Foundation’s success in supporting its campus partners is driven by a board that fully understands its mission.  

“We all come together, and we have different backgrounds and skill sets, but when we go into board meetings, we put our politics and personalities aside,” Dr. Romano said. “We work together for the sake of our donors, our partners and the community.” 

If you would like to support VCU Health's efforts to champion tomorrow's breakthroughs, please contact Brian Thomas, vice president and chief development officer at the foundation, to learn about opportunities for supporting research programs and initiatives on the MCV Campus.