A letter from the new Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences.
Although it’s been only a few short months since I began my tenure as dean, I already feel very much a part of the Brown community, thanks to the warm welcome I’ve received. It’s been gratifying to explore across and beyond campus to gain a comprehensive understanding of the breadth of teaching, basic and translational research, clinical activities, and community engagement taking place. I look forward to creating and strengthening partnerships to enhance these efforts, and in this issue of Medicine@Brown you can read more about this work, and my aspirations as dean of medicine and biological sciences.
There have been so many highlights already. Holding Match Day in person for the first time in three years was moving and inspiring, underscoring that our work to prepare highly skilled physicians and physician-scientists is so crucial. And while I was well aware of the substantial growth in consequential research being conducted in the life sciences in recent years, an email I received from Hermon C. Bumpus Professor of Biology John Sedivy on my second day as dean offered exciting evidence of this fact: his NIH Program Project Grant was renewed and increased to $16 million. This grant focuses on the mechanisms of aging and over the next five years, the team will be working to understand how rogue elements of DNA may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Increasing our capacity for impactful research like this will be one of my top priorities as dean.
We’ve also just launched our celebration of 50 Years of Medicine at Brown. As I learn more about the history of what began as the Program in Medicine, I’m struck by how much has happened in just five decades. By any measure, whether it’s the impact of our research or the outstanding medical students we attract or the distinguished careers of our alumni, that “program” has become one of the leading medical schools in the United States. I’m thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with our community and to help shape the Medical School’s next 50 years. I hope you’ll have an opportunity to take part in person or virtually in the range of events planned.
During the coming year, I’ll continue to meet with students, alumni, parents, and friends, both here in Providence and around the country. I’m looking forward to working together to advance knowledge, discovery, and solutions with the goal of improving human health and wellness within and beyond the Rhode Island community.
