Department Chairs

Under the Medical School Bylaws, departments are the primary organizational unit and the department chairs are the leaders responsible for maintaining a sustainable financial structure and a collegial environment that supports the mission-driven activities of its faculty. In addition to the department-specific responsibilities, the chairs work collaboratively as a group to provide advice and support for major school-wide initiatives. Examples of their leadership activities include the successful purchase of the North Campus Research Complex, and oversight of the U-M Medical Group.

At the U-M Medical School, department chairs are typically appointed for five-year terms through a careful process that culminates in a request for approval by the University’s Board of Regents. Chair reappointments are determined by the dean based upon an individual’s performance as a leader and team member, through successful implementation of a department-specific strategic plan, and by a survey of the department’s faculty.