The Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM) seeks a proven and innovative medical education leader to serve as its next Vice Dean of Educational Affairs. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of educational innovation at a land-grant institution deeply committed to preparing the next generation of clinicians, scientists, and health professionals. With a strong foundation of excellence and innovation, PSCOM offers a dynamic environment for a forward-thinking leader to drive educational transformation, foster collaboration, and elevate the college’s national impact.
PSCOM is renowned for its rigorous, humanistic education, pioneering the nation’s first Departments of Humanities and Family and Community Medicine, and maintaining a strong reputation for training patient-centered physicians and physician assistants. The College offers diverse educational pathways, including an M.D. program with innovative learning opportunities, accelerated medical education tracks, and a Physician Assistant Program. These are focused on critical thinking and compassionate care, attracting students from around the globe. PSCOM also provides robust graduate and dual degree programs, such as Ph.D., M.S., and M.D./Ph.D. options, supported by excellent research resources and an MSTP training grant. Additional dual degree programs include M.D./M.B.A., M.D./M.P.H. and M.D./M.Ed.
The Vice Dean for Educational Affairs at the College of Medicine is the Chief Education Officer of the College and reports directly to Dr. Karen Kim, Dean of the Penn State College of Medicine and Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Rural Health Research. The Vice Dean for Educational Affairs oversees the offices of student affairs/admissions, undergraduate medical education, the physician assistant program, graduate medical education and academic affiliations. In addition, the Vice Dean provides oversight of continuing medical education, the office of global health, the clinical simulation center, the George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library, and the office of medical education research.
The Vice Dean will have the opportunity to provide strategic leadership and vision to advance PSCOM’s educational mission ensuring the expansion and delivery of high-quality educational programs and continuous curriculum improvement. This leader will champion innovation in teaching and learning, cultivate a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, and strengthen alignment across PSCOM’s academic, clinical, and research missions. Building strong enterprise partnerships across Penn State Health, the Vice Dean will enhance clinical learning opportunities, expand interprofessional education, and help sustain PSCOM’s reputation as a national leader in training outstanding physicians, scientists, and health professionals.
The ideal candidate will be a highly aspirational and collaborative leader, one capable of articulating a compelling, forward-thinking vision for the future of medical education, including the influence of A.I. on the future of work. Candidates will hold an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degrees and bring the ability to inspire faculty, staff and students through influence, trust and the experience to execute the vision.
Confidential inquiries, nominations, expressions of interest, and candidate materials (including a letter of interest and CV) should be submitted via email to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search at cburke@wittkieffer.com. A copy of the full leadership profile is available upon request.
Penn State College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class including disability or veteran status. Policies and objectives are in direct compliance with all federal and state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders that prohibit or outlaw discrimination.
