Building upon efforts started last year, Michigan State University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. is restructuring the administration of the colleges of Human Medicine, Nursing and Osteopathic Medicine, as well as the university’s health clinics, to be better aligned in patient care, education and research.
“As I reviewed the administrative structures on campus, right away I saw the incredible opportunity in the alignment of our human health care services – not just in providing patient care, education and research, but also in beginning to rebuild trust in our people and systems,” Stanley said. “Health care services are one of the most individualized ways Spartans make an impact in our communities. Having a coordinated, strategic vision for MSU’s services with an experienced leader in health care can only make us stronger.”
The change includes promoting Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. to the new position of executive vice president for health sciences overseeing the colleges of Human Medicine, Nursing and Osteopathic Medicine as well as clinical practices. In accepting the EVP position, Beauchamp will resign as dean of the College of Human Medicine, a position he has held since 2016.
“I am humbled to accept this role,” Beauchamp said. “Providing outstanding patient care in our clinics and training the next generation of health care professionals is a great responsibility. We have a dedicated team of leaders, faculty and staff across the colleges, the university and the clinical practice. I look forward to working with all to further codify our efforts with a direct focus on patient safety, clinical excellence and innovation, building on our statewide partnerships to bring hope and health to our communities.”
Previously, all deans, including those in the health colleges, reported to the MSU provost. Under the new structure, the human health deans will report to the EVP, who then has a direct line to the president. This important change in reporting structure is seen as a best practice in addressing the unique aspects of human health care education and research. All three deans will maintain their defined administrative roles within their colleges, including academics, research, faculty appointments and leading the distinctive culture and history of each college.
“I am excited at the president’s vision and by the opportunities he sees for nursing as we transform health care education at Michigan State University,” said Randolph F.R. Rasch, dean of the College of Nursing. “This is very much in line with recent recommendations from the National Academy of Medicine that call for nurses and physicians to work together as full partners in health care delivery.”
The alignment and coordination provided by a single executive leader will help strengthen each individual college through shared resources and administrative efficiencies, establish a shared culture of accountability, address situations that led to patient vulnerability and synergize their strengths to bring the best educational opportunities to students.
“President Stanley’s vision seeks to synergize the clinical missions of the College of Osteopathic Medicine with the Colleges of Nursing and Human Medicine, while recognizing each of our college’s individual strengths in education, outreach and research,” said Andrea Amalfitano, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “By leveraging our collective expertise, we can significantly elevate the stature of health care delivery not only on a local and statewide scale, but a national one, too.”
MSU has offered health care education for more than 70 years. Combined, the human health colleges have nearly 20,000 alumni, many of which practice in the state of Michigan.
A graduate of the MSU College of Human Medicine, Beauchamp spent his first two years of medical school at the East Lansing campus and his clinical years in Grand Rapids. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from MSU and his Master of Health Science degree from what was then known as the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. After completing his residence at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Beauchamp joined the faculty in 1996 and also served as vice chairperson for clinical operations and interim chairperson during his time there.
In 2002, Beauchamp joined the faculty at the University of Washington. He served as professor of radiology, neurological surgery and industrial engineering and systems design as well as being department chair of radiology for 14 years. He also served as the vice-chair and chair of the faculty senate.
While at UW, Beauchamp was the founding medical director of the Seattle/King County Clinic, which provided free dental, vision and medical care. He was also president of the UW Physician Practice where he managed more than 1,600 physicians.
Beauchamp’s academic focus has been the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke as well as the quality and safety in health care and leadership. He has more than 130 publications and has co-authored a book on the practice of medicine.
His appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees during the October meeting. Aron Sousa will serve as interim dean during the search process. Sousa has been faculty at MSU since 1999 and served as interim dean at the College of Human Medicine in 2015.