Our Vision

In the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, we are proud to promote scholarship at the highest level, train the next generation of scientists and physicians and expand scientific knowledge for the betterment of human health. With curiosity, creativity and compassion, we strive to provide a collaborative and engaging environment for all faculty, students, trainees and staff.

Department-Wide Shot

Our History

1854

Charles Edward Brown-Sequard, known as the "Father of Experimental Endocrinology," joins the faculty

1895

Experimental lecture demonstrations by a specially appointed demonstrator in physiology were first introduced to the institution.

1898

Student laboratory exercises in physiology were added, with the demonstrators also acting as examiners.

1915

Charles C. Haskell, M.D., was appointed professor of pharmacology, associate professor of physiology and head of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, which existed as a single department from 1915 to 1955.

1934

Dr. William R. Bond, a graduate of MCV's pharmacy and medical schools, became head of the physiology section of the department.

1935

Ernst Fischer, M.D., was appointed chair of the department.

1936

The first M.S. degree was awarded in the department.

1955

The physiology staff expanded to include one chair, three professors, one associate professor, one assistant professor, two part-time instructors and two part-time lecturers.

1961

The first Ph.D. was awarded by the Department of Physiology to Alfred J. Szumski, who later joined the faculty.

1963

The Department of Physiology moved into the newly constructed Sanger Hall. Shortly thereafter, the MCV medical curriculum changed from departmental to integrated.

1966

Dr. Fischer announced his retirement and was succeeded by Leslie E. Edwards, Ph.D.

1968

After MCV merged with Richmond Professional Institute to form Virginia Commonwealth University, the Division of Psychiatric Research was incorporated into the Department of Physiology, bringing much needed expertise in neurophysiology. Edwards announced his retirement and was succeeded by Ian E. Bush, M.D.

1970

Dr. Bush resigned and Edwards resumed the role of acting chair.

1971

F. Norman Briggs, Ph.D., was appointed chair of the department.

1977

The department had grown to 27 faculty members and was renamed the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Dr. Briggs supported the development of neurosciences and endocrinology within the department. He resigned from the chair in 1985 but remained active and maintained grant support until his retirement in 2000.

1989

John A. DeSimone, Ph.D., was appointed chair.

1992

Margaret C. Biber, D.Phil., was appointed chair.

2008

Diomedes Logothetis, Ph.D., was appointed chair.

2016

Clive M. Baumgarten, Ph.D., was appointed interim chair.

2021

John R. Grider, Ph.D., was appointed interim chair.