Faculty Vitae, Spring 2006: Leadership Lesson

Case Study: Transitioning From Department Chair to Medical School Dean

Author: Eugene Rich, M.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Medicine
Creighton University
2006 Council of Deans Fellow

Exploring the Roles and Responsibilities of Deans

Dr. Rita Grooms has served as chair of the department of medicine for the past eight years.In recognition of her leadership accomplishments, Dr. Grooms' Dean supports her application to the AAMC Council of Deans Fellowship. She is accepted to the program and is pleased to be matched with a mentor who balances personal and professional life well and is accomplished in both education and clinical research. Her fellowship project examines the systems that medical school deans use to maintain a sense of balance in their busy lives.

About halfway through the year of her fellowship, Dr. Grooms is invited to submit her curriculum vitae for consideration as a dean at a prestigious private medical school. She does so; she then is invited for an interview with a search committee and following that, a visit to the school. As she prepares for the school visit and a long list of interviews with various institutional representatives, Dr. Grooms realizes that it is time to be absolutely certain that she is ready and willing to take on the dean's role. She contacts one of her long time mentors for a discussion.

How might YOU prepare for a senior leadership interview?

How would you build a vision?
How would you prepare a vision statement that matches your personal style and passions to your institution?
How can each of the contacts described for the medical school dean in this case support each other in a dynamic, productive medical school?
How would you translate the vision into actions and communications
During the recruitment process?
During the negotiation for the position?
In the time between acceptance of the contract and arrival?
In the first six months of appointment?

Leadership Lesson

Case Study: Transitioning From Department Chair to Medical School Dean

Preparing for New Leadership Roles

Apply Leadership Lesson to Case Studies

Exploring the Roles and Responsibilities of Deans

Review the full case study (PDF - 3 pages)

How might YOU prepare for a senior leadership interview?

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