Dean, College of Medicine

Dean, College of Medicine

Howard University

Howard University seeks an academic leader to serve as Dean of the College of Medicine. The University is undergoing exciting, transformational change, including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art teaching Hospital and Medical Office Building as well as an integrated Health Sciences Complex and STEM Center. The next Dean will harness these investments and significantly expand the College’s research enterprise from Basic Science to Clinical Trials.

Reporting to the Provost at Howard University, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Medicine. The Dean is responsible for effective administration of the College of Medicine, which includes 14 clinical departments and 6 basic science departments. The Dean also oversees the Howard University Hospital Faculty Practice Plan, which administers the clinical practice of faculty within the historic Howard University Hospital.

A key focus of the next Dean will be growing the research enterprise in the College of Medicine. Howard University is currently recognized as a Carnegie R2 research institution, denoting its high degree of research activity. Further elevating the scholarship within the College of Medicine is a top priority for the University. The next Dean will provide resources and establish opportunities for current faculty to expand their research efforts. Recruiting additional faculty as the organization increases its student body will also be an important role for this position. This leader will also oversee the recruitment of additional faculty with a demonstrated ability to pursue funding opportunities and conduct impactful research at every level of the research process.

The Dean will ensure the continued excellence of medical training and graduate education within the College of Medicine. With 123 medical students enrolled in the current class, the College has a proud history of providing the highest quality of medical training and creating opportunities for minority students. Additionally, the Dean will set and implement a strategy to expand the student body. The College is home to 11 residency programs, 6 fellowship programs, and 6 graduate programs leading to Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Dean will build on the organization’s national standing and ensure students and trainees continue to receive world-class education.

Howard University Hospital and Faculty Practice Plan provide critically important medical services to underserved communities throughout the nation’s capital region. The Dean will supervise and collaborate with administrative staff and healthcare professionals to oversee the Faculty Practice Plan. This leader will ensure effective management of the Plan, ensuring exceptional care is delivered to its patients. 

Adventist Health has been under a management agreement with Howard University Health for the past year. The relationship is collaborative with additional plans to further strengthen the partnership in the near future. The Dean will work in partnership with the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences to optimize the integration of Howard University Faculty clinicians with Adventist Health and Howard University Hospital.

Howard’s location in the nation’s capital offers candidates an opportunity to advocate for policies, legislation, and funding to significantly impact academic surgery, patient care, and socio economic and health challenges at the national level.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the chief academic and administrative officer for the College of Medicine
  • Administer existing resources and pursue additional funding to expand basic science and clinical research
  • Maintain the highest standards of education and training provided through the medical school, residency programs, fellowship programs, and graduate programs
  • Oversee the Faculty Practice Plan; assure effective administration of its operations, excellent care for its patients, and satisfaction among its faculty, staff, and patients
  • Develop and oversee College faculty and staff; including recruitment, management, and professional development
  • Continue to retain and recruit a diverse, highly respected Faculty
  • Collect, interpret, and present data pertaining to the administration of the College
  • Support interdisciplinary partnerships throughout the enterprise
  • Occasionally represent Howard University in public communications and development efforts

Location & Remuneration

The position is located in Washington, D.C. Consistent with a position of this importance, Howard University will provide the successful candidate a competitive compensation and benefits package. 

Requirements

The successful candidate will be nationally recognized in areas which are consistent with Howard University College of Medicine’s mission to provide exceptional education, clinical service, and research. The Dean will have an M.D., Board Certification in their specialty, and significant clinical practice experience at a leading academic medical center.  Experience building and expanding a research program is highly desired.

Competencies & Areas of Expertise

  • An exceptional track record of administration within a leading academic medical center
  • A demonstrated ability to partner with basic science faculty, identify and successfully pursue research funding opportunities, conduct impactful research, and drive the organization's broader research enterprise through recruitment and mentoring junior faculty
  • A proven ability to maintain and increase education and training standards throughout the College of Medicine
  • First-hand understanding of clinical practice and clinical operations
  • The ability to clearly and actively lead operational improvements in the Faculty Practice Plan, including revenue cycle
  • A visionary leader with a well-informed understanding of the broad biomedical context, and a plan to prepare the next generation of medical professionals and biomedical researchers for success
  • The ability to recruit, retain, and develop top tier talent at the national level
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; the ability to lead, persuade, and inspire all levels of faculty, students and staff
  • The ability to quickly establish personal credibility and stature to quickly gain the respect of a variety of constituents including University executives, Cabinet Officers, Department Heads and staff, consultants, and professionals and the ability to work successfully with them over the long term
  • The ability to represent the College and work effectively with diverse audiences, including in development efforts

Essential Qualifications

  • MD or MD/PhD degree from an accredited institution
  • Board Certification in the candidate’s specialty