Medical School Leadership

A diverse and experienced leadership team works closely with our faculty, staff and learners to administer the activities of the school and support the execution of the school's tripartite mission of excellence in education, research and patient care.

From admitting graduate and medical students, to guiding the careers of the faculty from appointment to promotion, as well as ensuring we conduct our research, teaching and clinical care with the highest ethical standards, the associate and assistant deans of the Medical School are appointed to manage specific aspects of the administration of the Medical School and are available to guide and support our faculty, staff, students and trainees.

These highly regarded leaders are appointed through a careful process that culminates in the approval of the University’s Board of Regents.

Under the Medical School Bylaws, departments are the primary organizational unit and the department chairs are the leaders responsible for maintaining a sustainable financial structure and a collegial environment that supports the mission-driven activities of its faculty. In addition to the department-specific responsibilities, the chairs work collaboratively as a group to provide advice and support for major school-wide initiatives. Examples of their leadership activities include the successful purchase of the North Campus Research Complex, and oversight of the U-M Medical Group.

At the U-M Medical School, department chairs are typically appointed for five-year terms through a careful process that culminates in a request for approval by the University’s Board of Regents. Chair reappointments are determined by the dean based upon an individual’s performance as a leader and team member, through successful implementation of a department-specific strategic plan, and by a survey of the department’s faculty.