Dr. Rappley earned a teaching degree, practiced as an LPN and RN, became a pediatric neurologist, led a university medical school, raised two children, served as Dean of Michigan State University School of Medicine, chaired the AAMC Board of Directors, and since 2015, led the health-related colleges at VCU and served as VCUHS CEO.
She is renowned for her calm, caring, and commanding presence.
Early years:
Dr. Rappley is the oldest of three children.Her younger sister spent the first two years of her life in a hospital, and It was at this young age, Dr. Rappley learned what a good hospital can do for a family in need.
After graduating from High School, Dr. Rappley earned a degree in English literature with the goal of becoming a school teacher. After a friend got a job as an LPN, she too became one while waiting to find a teaching position.
Her first job was at the Children's Hospital of Michigan. There she took care of some of the sickest children in the state.
Her work was challenging and she cared for patients with diseases which now have cures or have been eliminated, thanks to advances in science. Here she found her calling. Rather than teach English, she continued her studies and became a Registered Nurse.
While working at the hospital, a nursing supervisor asked if she wanted to work in the Intensive Care Unit.
At the time, she questioned if she was good enough to work in this complex environment, and her supervisor responded "let me be the judge. Have faith that I understand things about you that you don't understand yet about yourself." Dr. Rappley has shared that story with us many times.
Dr. Rappley went on to find a love in psychiatric nursing. She discovered she could communicate well with those who have major mental illnesses and understand their needs.
She tells the story of a schizophrenic patient who never spoke until his day of discharge. On that day, he came to her and said: "Thank you". All because she treated him as an individual and with respect.
Becoming a doctor:
Dr. Rappley sought the guidance of her nurse manager when she considered entering medical school. Her supervisor immediately said, "I think that's wonderful, I think that's what you should do," and that was a vote of confidence.
Promoting education:
As we know, Dr. Rappley became a world-renowned pediatric neurologist with a passion for education and a devotion to the underserved. She built a children's hospital in Michigan and became Chair of the AAMC where she set national standards for medical education.
Her dedication was so great, that five years ago, she left her home and career in Michigan and came to VCU.
Under her leadership, the health colleges have flourished. Student enrollment in all of the health colleges has increased, new programs were instituted, and relationships between the schools, the health system, and the community were forged.
Dr. Rappley believed that VCUHS could be a role model, a leader, the educator of future clinicians in all of the professions. Just like her nursing supervisor said to her many years ago, she believed in us before we believed in ourselves.
We have improved access, improved clinical outcomes, expanded research in areas that are important to the populations we serve, and she has done what no other leader could do in the last 25 years: build a children's hospital. A community our size needs a children's hospital. She understood that for the health and economics of central Virginia, a children's hospital is vital.
Feedback from Others on Dr. Rappley:
1. Dr. Rappley believes we all bring talent to the table. She listens intently and makes sure everyone in the room has an opportunity to weigh in. She incorporates quiet strength into a lively conversation. She doesn't want platitudes, she wants your gift, your opinions, and your talents at the table.
2. A few words to describe Dr. Rappley: compassionate, focused leader, Inspirational; continuously challenging others to go to the "next level", a steady and calming presence, brave, thoughtful, visionary, committed, and classy.
3. With all of Dr. Rappley's accomplishments and life experiences, she always approaches each issue from the perspective of what is in the best interest of the patient and family. It is instantly apparent when you discuss any issue with her, that she is most concerned about the impact of the decision on those we serve - including our team members. She provides clear and wise guidance during difficult times that instills a sense of calm and builds trust amongst those who work with her.
In closing, Dr. Rappley joined us in 2015 because she believed in us. She has been steadfast that together, we will improve people's lives. Because of her, we are a better organization.
Dr. Rappley, you cajoled, supported, and always inspired us to achieve what we believed impossible, that our complex and vulnerable populations deserved world-class care and could achieve world-class outcomes.
We promise to honor your vision and improve the health of our communities. Your legacy will live on. Thank you for the difference you have made. We will miss you and there will always be a light on for you here at the health system.
We are proud to honor you with The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.