Marissa Galicia-Castillo

Scholarly Pursuit:
I am currently in my second year as an Assistant Professor with the Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Recently, I was awarded the Geriatric Academic Career Award (GACA). The goal of the GACA is to develop academic geriatricians, in other words, someone who will effectively teach geriatrics to a diverse learning group (from allied health professionals, nurses, students, residents and community physicians). As part of my GACA, I felt obtaining more training in teaching would help me achieve my goal.

Professional Activities and History:
I consider myself a “career” student (though I do believe that we are all lifelong learners). As a native of Norfolk, I decided to stay in the area and pursued all of my schooling here. After graduation from Booker T. Washington High, I went on to Old Dominion University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in biology. I was fortunate enough to be involved with a BS/MD program with ODU/EVMS and started medical school in my fourth year of study at ODU. Since then, I have been with EVMS through internship, residency, chief residency, geriatric fellowship and now as faculty member.

Background:
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a Norfolk native. Our family came here via the US Navy. My father joined the Navy in the Philippines, subsequently bringing our family here to the United States in search of a better life. You never truly appreciate your parents until you become a parent yourself.

My husband and I are proud parents of two girls, Rubylin (Ruby, age 4) and Marciana (Ana, age 2). Our free time consists of “hanging” out with the kids. It has been truly fun “rediscovering” activities with the family. A visit of Busch Gardens is so much different than “pre-kids”, but definitely great. Our most recent adventure was a ski trip. Ruby and Ana had a great time going down the slopes. I am so amazed at how much kids can learn in a short period of time. I look forward to learning more about learning on all fronts.

WebMaster: idt@odu.edu