Following an intensive nationwide search, Dean of Harvard Medical School George Q. Daley has announced that Bernard Chang will become the next Faculty dean of medical education, effective July 31st.
Chang, a renowned neurologist, dedicated HMS faculty member and educator, and advisory dean for the Francis Weld Peabody academic society, succeeds Dean Edward Hundert, who announced last November after nine years leading the Medical Education Program that he was moving into a new role as philanthropic advisor. senior at HMS Alumni Affairs and Development Office while continuing to serve as associate director for the Center for Bioethics and a senior faculty member in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine.
Get more HMS news here
“I am sure that Dr. Chang has the experience, passion and vision to lead our Program in Medical Education into a new era of excellence. Inquiry, discovery and scholarship will be at the heart of what we do as we grow a new generation of physicians, well-equipped to face the challenges of the next age of medicine and healthcare,” Daley said in a letter to the HMS community. on June 7th.
A graduate of Harvard College in biochemistry, Chang holds an MD from the New York University School of Medicine and an MMSc in clinical investigations from HMS. He completed his residency and fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centerwhere he is now HMS professor of neurology, co-chair for neurology education, and head of the Division of Epilepsy.
For many years, his clinical practice has centered on the care of patients with seizure disorders, and his research has helped uncover the mechanisms by which malformations of development of the brain lead to epilepsy and learning difficulties.
“I am honored and humbled to take on this role. Medical education is my passion, and there is no better place than HMS to study to become a doctor. With all my amazing colleagues here, I am excited to tackle our mission of preparing our students to become the next generation of physician leaders,” said Chang.
Recognized by peers
Chang’s career in medical education began as a neuroanatomy lab instructor for sophomore HMS students in 2000. She has been recognized by peers and students alike as a talented and creative leader and educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to furthering the School’s academic mission.
“Many students are quite familiar with Dr. Chang, having known him through his roles as community leader, pre-PCE director, and teacher. I am so excited for him to take on this new role,” said Adam Berger, sixth year MD-PhD student.
“I look forward to all the institutional knowledge and fresh mindset he will bring to his position as he strives to continue to make medical education at HMS the best it can be for me and my fellow students amidst new technology and evidence, systemic challenges in healthcare, inequality . , and ethical issues,” Berger said.
As dean of community advisors, Daley said Chang has wholeheartedly promoted the well-being of students, including those from under-represented and marginalized backgrounds.
“Dr. Chang has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusive excellence, and she understands that fostering an environment where diversity, in its multiple dimensions, and inclusion and a sense of belonging, is valued — and where potential is recognized — is the cornerstone of medical education,” said Joan Reede, HMS dean for diversity and community partnerships.