Discovery Society: Frank and Terry Sisto

By Holly Prestidge | Photo by Daniel Sangjib Min

The four years that Frank and Terry Sisto spent in Richmond early in Frank’s pharmaceutical research career solidified one thing: their desire to eventually retire in Williamsburg. 

Back in those days, the area’s rich history and plethora of antique wares charmed these antiquarians during their many leisurely day trips.

Today, as residents, something else reminds them how special Williamsburg is – access to excellent healthcare providers and cutting-edge medical researchers through the MCV Foundation’s Discovery Series Williamsburg.

Frank and Terry, both natives of central New York, moved to Williamsburg in 2011.

Frank’s career in pharmaceutical research and development moved the couple up and down the East Coast as he worked for companies like Bristol Laboratories, A.H. Robins Company in Richmond, and Glaxo Inc. He ultimately retired from MylanLaboratories Inc. 

Frank said he had an early connection with the MCV Campus long before retirement. During his time in Richmond in the late 1980s, his department at A.H. Robins taught a course to senior VCU School of Pharmacy students. 

We often put physicians on pedestals, and we, the patients, are below them. But in these series, we’re all on the same level, and they’re very approachable.

Terry Sisto, MCV Foundation Discovery Series member

In retirement, Frank’s thirst for insights from healthcare research did not dampen. Upon moving to Williamsburg, he volunteered and was eventually employed by Riverside Health Systems to conduct quality assurance monitoring in their clinical research department. He also volunteered for the Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center, eventually serving on its board of directors. A fellow Olde Towne volunteer invited him and Terry to a Discovery Series event in 2021. 

“That’s all it took,” Frank said. “I just gravitate toward anything related to healthcare research. We just loved it, and ever since, we’ve been doing everything we can to attend all the events.” 

Discovery Series events bring renowned experts from throughout VCU Health Sciences and VCU Health to share the latest in research and medical advancements. The series programming uniquely combines enriching panel discussions with small-group or one-on-one interactions with physicians and researchers.

“You can talk to doctors about things that may not be happening to you, but you may have a friend that needs a recommendation,” Frank said. “I’ve done that and it’s amazing to have access to those doctors because they truly make time for people.”

The Sistos are Discovery Society members. Those who attend the events and choose to contribute $1,000 or more annually in support of any school, unit or program on the MCV Campus at VCU become members of the Discovery Society. 

They’re also grateful patients. Their giving to the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and other programs represents gratitude for the excellent care provided. They also have a desire to contribute to advancing the work VCU Health is already doing in education, research and world-class patient care. 

Frank said thanks to the MCV Foundation, he’s constantly learning. He also values the relationship with Brian Thomas, the foundation’s interim President and CEO, whom he said serves as an outstanding ambassador for the organization. 

“Every time we go to a series event, I’m just blown away,” Frank said. “I love the research.”

Terry, who actively participates in the foundation’s Women’s Health Luncheons, noted that she appreciates how Discovery Series panelists share detailed and complex information in ways that everyone in the audience understands. 

“We often put physicians on pedestals, and we, the patients, are below them,” she said. “But in these series, we’re all on the same level, and they’re very approachable.”

She added: “They become like your next-door neighbor.”

If you are interested in learning more about the MCV Foundation Discovery Society or ways to support the MCV Campus, please contact Brian Thomas, MCV Foundation interim president and CEO.