Derek A. Thackston graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Medical College of Virginia Health Sciences Division with a degree of doctor of medicine. Convocation was held May 11, and graduation ceremonies were May 12.

Dr. Thackston will start his three year residency in emergency medicine at MCV hospital in Richmond, June 20.

Thackston successfully completed a one year pre-med certification graduate program at VCU in May 2013.

On May 12, 2012, he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biological sciences and a minor in medicine and society from Virginia Tech.

Thackston was a health scholar and a member of the university honors program. He was also an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta fraternity and is a member of the Mu chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

He is a 2008 graduate of Prince Edward County High School and Southside Virginia Governor’s School. He is the son of Chris and Mitzi Thackston of Farmville, the grandson of Marshall and Donna Thackston of Charlotte Court House, and Ms. Jackie Dunn of Portsmouth, and the late James and Elizabeth Bell of Blackstone.