Chalkley to helm research education
A restructuring of the School of Medicine, formed during the strategic planning for the academic enterprise, is now being implemented. (Photo by Anne Rayner)
G. Roger Chalkley, professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, has been named senior associate dean for Education in the Biomedical Sciences in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
In this newly created position, Chalkley will oversee the School of Medicine's biomedical sciences-related education programs, including those involving graduate students (Ph.D.), M.D./Ph.D. students, M.S. (Hearing and Speech) students and postdoctoral research fellows.
"Roger Chalkley is recognized as a national leader in graduate medical education and graduate research education," said Dr. John E. Chapman, dean of the School of Medicine. "He has served as an advisor to a number of successful programs, including the National Institutes of Health's program in graduate medical education. We are very fortunate to have him assume this position."
Dr. Harry R. Jacobson, vice chancellor for Health Affairs, said Chalkley's appointment will enhance the institution's strong commitment to train tomorrows scientists.
"Creating new knowledge has always been a crucial part of Vanderbilt's mission," Jacobson said. "It will be even more vital in the coming years, and that is where we expect Roger Chalkley's skills will have the greatest impact. After all, tomorrow's discoveries can't happen unless today's research education is among the nation's best."
The appointment of Chalkley is the first phase in a planned restructuring of the School of Medicine formulated during the strategic planning for VUMC's academic enterprise. The plan calls for two additional senior associate deans under the dean; for Medical Education and for Faculty and Academic Administrative Affairs.
According to Chapman, the aim of the restructuring is to continue to provide a high level of attention and support for all the institution's educational programs; to duplicate in all programs the successes registered in the medical student programs; and to coordinate the medical centers educational planning across all programs.
"This revision of the administrative structure of the dean's office will allow us to undertake more and broader initiatives in all aspects of education," Chapman said. "This gives us the ability to be more comprehensively involved across the medical center as an agent of leadership, service coordination and innovation."
Currently, plans call for the senior associate dean for Medical Education to oversee medical students, residents, clinical fellows, M.P.H. students and medical scholars. The senior associate dean for Faculty and Academic Administrative Affairs will be responsible for the faculty, community physician faculty and the general public's relationships to education and our programs in education.
Chalkley joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 1986, and currently serves as the director of the Office of Biomedical Graduate Studies.
He received his B.A., M.A. and D.Phil. from Pembroke College, Oxford, and prior to joining the VUMC faculty served as professor of Biochemistry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine.