As chairman of the surgery department at Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Thomas Krummel recognizes the promising future of using virtual technology to prepare students for surgeries.
Krummel, candidate for the University Medical School dean position, addressed several issues key to the future of academic health centers during his visit to the University on Thursday.
He is one of five candidates for the position, which will open in June when current dean Dr. Alfred Michael retires.
In his presentation, Krummel stressed virtual technology, philanthropy, industry collaboration and disaster preparation.
In particular, he said there is an increasing need for emergency preparation.
“We had an emergency room full of people with suspected anthrax cases, and we were not prepared,” Krummel said of the Stanford health facility in previous months.
A good dean sets a personal example and fosters good relationships, Krummel said.
According to a position description given to applicants, the dean also develops strategic and financial plans for each year. The dean oversees the school’s administration and business and represents the medical school in the Academic Health Center’s Deans Council as well.
Krummel’s ideas attracted the attention of Sraddha Helfrich,
first-year class president at the Medical School.
“All of these people are amazing and accomplished,” she said. “What really shined through in Dr. Krummel’s presentation was his charisma and leadership skills.”
Krummel is the third candidate to visit the University. The fifth candidate hasn’t been named.
Dr. Ali Adashi, chairman of obstetrics at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, and Dr. Sharon Murphy, professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Medical School, have previously appeared on campus.
Dr. Deborah Powell, executive dean for clinical affairs at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will visit campus on April 8 and 9. She will lecture April 8 at 4 p.m. in Room 2-690 in Moos Tower.
Michael has served as Medical School dean since 1996.
Amy Hackbarth welcomes comments at [email protected]