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In November, 1964, The Scarab, the official newsletter of the Alumni Association of the Medical College of Virginia, wrote about some of their newest faculty members, including W. Kenneth Blaylock, M.D., Department of Dermatology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.

“Doctor Blaylock, who joined the faculty in July, 1964, is the first full-time geographic member of the division,” according to the article. “In addition to his clinical and teaching duties, he is developing a strong research program with particular emphasis on studying the pathophysiological mechanisms in eczematous dermatitis.”

Blaylock had graduated from MCV (now the VCU School of Medicine) only six years prior, in 1958. Before coming to VCU to teach, he’d served his residency at Duke University Hospital and a two-year stint as a senior investigator with the National Institutes of Health.

Since his return to VCU 50 years ago, he has devoted his career to research, patient care and shaping young minds.

“To tell you the truth, it’s much easier and the students are much better; the university is much better,” he said of the difference between teaching now and 50 years ago. “The Internet is great. Teaching today is much easier than the days we had to go look up everything in the library. It’s pleasant and it’s exciting, because the students research everything before talking to you about a patient.”

Blaylock, 83, considers himself lucky to have served such a long tenure at VCU, and he expresses gratitude for the experiences.

“The university has allowed me to be involved for such a long period of time,” he said. “I never thought that would’ve happened. It’s such a pleasure to teach.”

Blaylock’s commitment to VCU was honored at the 43rd annual Service Awards reception in the Stuart C. Siegel Center on Sept. 23, along with hundreds of other employees of VCU and the VCU Health System celebrating career milestones. He was the only employee to reach the 50-year mark this year.

At the ceremony, VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., thanked faculty and staff members ranging in service from five years to 50 for their creativity, passion and dedication.

For a full list of this year's award winners, visit http://www.hr.vcu.edu/compensation-and-rewards/rewards-and-recognition/annual-service-awards/

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