The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (College) is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking educational leader to serve as its first Vice Dean of Education. This inaugural role presents a rare and powerful opportunity to drive the future of medical education during a time of transformative growth at Oklahoma's premier academic medical institution, with the potential to make a profound impact on its 4 million residents. The role will include a curriculum redesign, an expansion of the medical student class size in the context of critical workforce planning, preparation for an upcoming LCME survey, and the development of new residency and fellowship programs.
Founded in 1900, the College of Medicine is the largest component of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and serves as the academic arm of OU Health, the state’s flagship academic health system. With a distinguished faculty of nearly 1,350 members, including almost 1,000 full-time faculty and 218 endowed chairs and professorships, the College comprises 21 academic departments —17 clinical and four basic science—alongside numerous research centers and institutes. The College operates a branch campus in Tulsa, hosting eight clinical departments and a unique School of Community Medicine Track, which together contribute to Oklahoma's Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, a competitive Physician Associate (PA) program, and various graduate medical education(GME) residency and fellowship programs.
The College plays a vital role in training healthcare professionals, offering 83 specialty and subspecialty programs with 766 residents and fellows. Remarkably, 51.4% of physicians who complete their residencies in Oklahoma remain in the state, contributing to a local healthcare workforce that exceeds the national average retention rate. Over 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals are OU graduates, underscoring the College’s significant impact on the state's healthcare landscape. It enrolls over 650 medical students annually, ensuring that more than half of each entering class consists of Oklahoma residents, which highlights its commitment to local talent retention.
Reporting to the Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer, the Vice Dean will play a key role in shaping the educational experiences of learners, trainees, and faculty, working closely with an engaged leadership team within the College and Health System. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, a track record of innovation and growth, and excel in collaboration and communication. They will possess a deep understanding of current trends in medical education and the evolving landscape of academic medicine while also aligning educational goals with the unique healthcare needs of Oklahoma.
Applicants for this position must hold an MD or equivalent, be qualified for appointment as associate professor or higher, and have a substantial record of leadership and achievement in medical education oversight. The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-oklahoma-health-sciences-center-college-medicine/vice-dean-education. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.
The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:
The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.
Mission of the University of Oklahoma:
The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.
