This is the first in a series of interviews with Dr. Robert D. Reece, founding Chairman of the Department of Medicine in Society in the Wright State School of Medicine. In this first interview, Dr. Reece discusses the early development of the department and how it impacts the medical student.

In the first part of the interview Dr. Reece discusses his education and background prior to coming to Wright State University. He also recalls the discussions leading to the establishment of the Department of Medicine in Society within the School of Medicine. Dr. Reece then examines the development of the department, focusing on his priorities of curriculum and staff development.

In the second part of the interview Dr. Reece discusses the curriculum of the department and how the department impacts the medical student. Elements of the curriculum discussed in detail are: the core courses of the department; the department's selectives; and department participation in correlation sessions and grand rounds.