Hal B. Jenson, M.D., has been named founding dean of the Western Michigan University School of Medicine and will assume his new post in March or April.
Jenson, professor of pediatrics and regional dean for the Western Campus of the Tufts University School of Medicine, was selected from among nearly 60 candidates whose credentials were considered by a community search committee. He was one of three candidates invited to make public presentations in Kalamazoo last fall.
WMU President John M. Dunn made the announcement of Jenson's appointment on behalf of the privately funded medical school initiative, a community partnership involving Borgess Health, Bronson Healthcare and the University.
"Dr. Jenson is the right choice to lead the development of our medical school," says Dunn. "He brings a strong background in academic medicine, medical education and research from positions at Tufts, Yale and other prestigious university medical schools. Of great importance, he has extensive experience in health care systems very relevant to West Michigan."
A physician and educator with more than 30 years experience, Jenson was drawn to the founding dean position by the opportunity to help create a new medical school at a national research university in a community with major health care, educational and life sciences assets.
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