KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Robert G. Sawyer as interim dean of the medical school effective February 19, 2024, after the board and Dean Dr. Paula M. Termuhlen parted ways.
According to an announcement from WMed, “The Board believes this senior leadership transition will best serve the medical school and position the institution for long-term future success.”
Dr. Sawyer is a long-time medical education leader who is well positioned to serve as the interim dean. He has been a clinician and medical educator for more than 36 years and brings to the position 23 years of leadership experience.
He joined WMed in 2017 as chair of the Department of Surgery and was appointed senior associate dean for research in October 2023. Most recently he led a comprehensive planning process to create the medical school’s research strategic plan.
Dr. Sawyer’s interim appointment will extend into February 2025. A national search for the medical school dean is anticipated to begin later this year.
Dr. Termuhlen assumed her role as the medical school’s second dean in May 2021. During her tenure, she navigated the pandemic and initiated a focus on health equity.
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