The medical school dean: Leadership and workforce development

Objective The author reviews the role of deans in US academic medical centers. Methods The author describes the role of the dean of a medical school on the basis of his personal experience and key texts on the topic. Results Skills acquired earlier in an academic career are used across a much broader base in the role of dean, and the dean holds a time-honored and privileged position in academic medicine. Fundamental activities of the dean include communication, mentorship, recruitment, and retention. Conclusion As with any leadership role, the position is not about the person, and a dean serves as a resource to a host of internal constituents and as an ambassador for the institution.