Jerris Hedges has been reappointed to continue serving as dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa through December 31, 2016.
Citing the dramatic progress the school has made toward meeting its strategic goals, University of Hawaiʻi President M.R.C. Greenwood on November 23 approved Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw’s recommendation to reappoint Hedges.
“Dr. Hedges’ appointment is the key to progress at the medical school and the international recognition that it deserves,” said Greenwood.
“Under the direction of Dean Hedges, the medical school has collaborated successfully with internal constituents, like the UH Cancer Center, to maximize research opportunities that will benefit the campus, the state and Hawaiʻi’s health industry. The school has also worked with state and private leaders to formulate the state health plan and developed synergy between the medical students and public health programs,” Greenwood continued.
Hedges was first appointed to JABSOM in March 2008. Hinshaw lauded his leadership in advancing and strengthening the school and increasing partnerships in academics, research and clinical studies.
“When Dean Hedges was hired, I charged him with the major goal of securing Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation for the medical school,” said Hinshaw. “His leadership brought the school together in a concentrated effort, which also was highly successful. In 2009, JABSOM was awarded a maximum-length eight-year accreditation by LCME.”
Hinshaw noted other significant achievements during Hedges’ tenure, including
- Renewal and initial receipt of major grants from the National Institutes of Health
- Record performances by medical students on the national licensing examination
- Significant increases in the number of graduates choosing to do post-graduate training in Hawaiʻi, which ultimately leads to more graduates staying in the state to practice medicine
- Success in securing philanthropic support for the school
Read the news release for more on medical school accomplishments under Hedges’ leadership.
