Joey Barnett, Ph.D., has been named co-chair of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) Admissions Committee, effective July 1.
Barnett will succeed David Bader, Ph.D., in this role. Bader, Gladys Parkinson Stahlman Professor of Cardiovascular Research and Professor of Medicine, is stepping down this summer after leading a task force that restructured the admissions process and subsequently serving a term as co-chair.
Barnett will co-chair the committee with Alice Coogan, M.D., professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.
“We are so grateful for David’s leadership, both in revising our admissions process and in chairing the committee for the past several years,” said Bonnie Miller, M.D., Senior Associate Dean for Health Sciences Education and Executive Vice President for Educational Affairs. “Managing our admissions process is a complex task that requires many hours of dedicated work. Together with Alice, David has done an outstanding job, as evidenced by the diverse and talented groups of students they have recruited for us.”
Barnett is vice chair and professor in the Department of Pharmacology and assistant dean of Physician-Researcher Training. In the latter role, he directs the Office of Medical Student Research and coordinates required and elective research experiences for VUSM students. Barnett holds secondary appointments in the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.
“I have always enjoyed interviewing students and matching their interests and abilities with the opportunities and goals of our training programs,” Barnett said. “Over the past few years, I have spent more time interviewing medical students while also working with the team developing Curriculum 2.0. The admissions committee provides the venue to identify and actively recruit the type of student who will flourish in, and benefit from, the fantastic curriculum that has been developed.”
VUSM receives more than 6,000 applications each year for fewer than 90 spots in the first-year class.
“If my past experience is any guide, I expect to be blown away by the accomplishments, depth of commitment and character of the young men and women who seek admission to Vanderbilt. The exceptional quality of the applicants provides the energy and enthusiasm needed to get the work done,” Barnett said.
