VCU Medical Society Hosts Dodge Ball Tournament to Build Solidarity

By Jessica Ferreira
VCU Communications and Public Relations

The Cary Street Gym was buzzing with excitement as medical students and professors from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine took over the Multi Activity Center for their first dodge ball tournament.

The event on April 9 was hosted by the Baruj Benacerraf Society, a medical society named for an alumnus who went on to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.

As the first big event for the society, the tournament provided an opportunity for camaraderie and the chance to create a close-knit environment, according to event organizers.

“This tournament was a huge group effort,” said Anthony Trace, president of the Benacerraf Society. “I loved that the dean’s office was so supportive and got so involved.”

Contenders included one team from the dean’s office known as The Grey Goose and 15 teams of first-year medical students.

The student teams included Whak-a-Mole, Big Dogs in Little Coats and Benacerraf’s Bruisers, to name a few. Along with their creative monikers, all the teams brought unique approaches and fresh enthusiasm to the game.

“The team of professors made their own shirts and we even have a team dressed entirely in drag,” said Joe Hall, social chair of the Benacerraf Society.  “It’s great to see people having fun.”